Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Ritter
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Author: T. J. Ritter
Language: English
[Transcriber's Notes]
I view this material as a window into the terror endured by mothers and
family members when a child or adult took ill. The doctors available (if
you could afford one) could offer little more than this book. The guilt of
failing to cure the child was probably easier to endure than the
helplessness of doing nothing.
There are many recipes for foods I fondly remember eating as a child.
Note the many recipes for a single serving that involve lengthy and
labor-intensive preparation. Refrigeration was uncommon and the
temperature of iceboxes was well above freezing, so food had to be
consumed quickly.
Many recipes use uncooked meat and eggs that can lead to several diseases.
Don Kostuch
Transcriber's Dictionary
These entries are absent or brief in the original dictionary on page 893.
A short cooking dictionary is on page 831. Check there for items not found
here.
Aconite
Various, usually poisonous perennial herbs of the genus Aconitum, having
tuberous roots, palmately lobed leaves, blue or white flowers with large
hoodlike upper sepals, and an aggregate of follicles. The dried leaves
and roots of these plants yield a poisonous alkaloid that was formerly
used medicinally. Also called monkshood, wolfsbane.
Addison's disease
Caused by partial or total failure of adrenocortical function;
characterized by a bronze-like skin color and mucous membranes, anemia,
weakness, and low blood pressure.
ad libitum
At the discretion of the performer. Giving license to alter or omit a
part.
affusion
Pouring on of liquid, as in baptism.
ague
Alternating periods of chills, fever, and sweating. Used in reference to
the fevers associated with malaria.
alkanet
European perennial herb (Alkanna tinctoria) having cymes of blue flowers
and red roots. The red dye extracted from the root. Plants of the
Eurasian genus Anchusa, having blue or violet flowers grouped on
elongated cymes.
allyl
Univalent, unsaturated organic radical C3H5.
aloin
Bitter, yellow crystalline compound from aloe, used as a laxative.
alum
Double sulfates of a trivalent metal such as aluminum, chromium, or iron
and a univalent metal such as potassium or sodium, especially aluminum
potassium sulfate, AlK(SO4)2 12H2O, widely used in industry as
clarifiers, hardeners, and purifiers and medicinally as topical
astringents and styptics.
anemonin
Acrid poisonous compound containing two lactone groups; obtained from
plants of the genus Anemone and genus Ranunculus, containing the
buttercups.
aneurysm (aneurism)
Localized, blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel caused by disease
or weakening of the vessel wall.
animadversion
Strong criticism. Critical or censorious remark:
anise
Aromatic Mediterranean herb (Pimpinella anisum) in the parsley family,
cultivated for its seed-like fruits and the oil; used to flavor foods,
liqueurs, and candies.
anodyne
Relieves pain.
antrum
Cavity or chamber, especially in a bone. Sinus in the bones of the upper
jaw, opening into the nasal cavity.
apomorphine
Poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C17H17NO2, derived from morphine
and used to induce vomiting.
arnica
Perennial herbs of the genus Arnica. Tincture of the dried flower heads
of the European species A. montana, applied externally to relieve the
pain and inflammation of bruises and sprains.
articular
Relating to joints: the articular surfaces of bones.
asafetida (asafoetida)
Fetid (offensive odor) gum resin of Asian plants of the genus Ferula
(especially F. assafoetida, F. foetida, or F. narthex). It has a strong
odor and taste, and was formerly used as an antispasmodic and a general
prophylactic against disease.
atresia
Absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular passage such as
the anus, intestine, or external ear canal. Degeneration and resorption
of one or more ovarian follicles before a state of maturity has been
reached.
atropine
Poisonous, bitter, crystalline alkaloid, C17H23NO3, obtained from
belladonna and related plants. Used to dilate the pupils of the eyes and
as an antispasmodic.
bainmarie
Large pan of hot water in which smaller pans may be placed to cook food
slowly or to keep food warm.
barberry
Shrubs of the genus Berberis having small yellow flowers, and red,
orange, or blackish berries.
baryta
A barium compounds, such as barium sulfate.
baste
Sew loosely with large running stitches to hold together temporarily.
batiste
Fine, plain-woven fabric made from various fibers and used especially
for clothing.
bedizen
Ornament or dress in a showy or gaudy manner.
benne (sesame)
Tropical Asian plant (Sesamum indicum) bearing small flat seeds used as
food and as a source of oil.
benzoin
Balsamic resin obtained from certain tropical Asian trees of the genus
Styrax and used in perfumery and medicine. Also called benjamin, gum
benjamin, gum benzoin. A white or yellowish crystalline compound, C14
H12 O2, derived from benzaldehyde.
berberine
Bitter-tasting yellow alkaloid, C20H19NO5, from several plants such as
goldenseal. Used medically as an antipyretic and antibacterial agent.
bergamot
Small tree (Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia) grown in southern Italy
for its sour citrus fruits. The rinds yield an aromatic oil (bergamot
oil) used in perfume.
beri-beri
Deficiency of thiamine, endemic in eastern and southern Asia and
characterized by neurological symptoms, cardiovascular abnormalities,
and edema.
Berserker
Ancient Norse warriors legendary for working themselves into a frenzy
before a battle and fighting with reckless savagery and insane fury.
bijouterie
Collection of trinkets or jewelry; decorations.
bilious
Relating to bile. Excess secretion of bile. Gastric distress caused by a
disorder of the liver or gallbladder. Resembling bile, especially in
color: a bilious green. Peevish disposition; ill-humored.
bistort
Eurasian perennial herb (Polygonum bistorta) with cylindrical spikes of
pink flowers and a rhizome used as an astringent in folk medicine.
blue flag
Several irises with blue or blue-violet flowers, especially Iris
versicolor of eastern North America.
bobbinet
Machine-woven net fabric with hexagonal meshes.
boil
Painful, circumscribed pus-filled inflammation of the skin and
subcutaneous tissue usually caused by a local staphylococcal infection.
Also called furuncle.
bolster
Long narrow pillow or cushion.
bombazine
Fine twilled fabric of silk and worsted or cotton, often dyed black for
mourning clothes.
boutonniere
Flower or small bunch of flowers worn in a buttonhole.
bryonia
Small genus of perennial old world tendril-bearing vines (family
Cucurbitaceae) having large leaves, small flowers, and red or black
fruit; Dried root of a bryony (Bryonia alba or B. dioica) used as a
cathartic.
bubo (buboes)
An inflamed, tender swelling of a lymph node, especially in the area of
the armpit or groin, that is characteristic of bubonic plague and
syphilis.
buchu
South African shrubs of the genus Agathosma, especially A. betulina and
A. crenulata; the leaves are used as a mild diuretic and provide an
aromatic oil used for flavoring.
burdock
Weedy, chiefly biennial plants of the genus Arctium.
cachexia
Weight loss, wasting of muscle, loss of appetite, and general debility
during a chronic disease.
cajeput (paperbark)
Australian and southeast Asian tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia, M.
leucadendron) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae); yields a pungent
medicinal oil; grown in Florida.
calamine
White or colorless mineral, essentially Zn4Si2O7(OH)2.H2O
(hemimorphite). Pink, odorless, tasteless powder of zinc oxide with a
small amount of ferric oxide, dissolved in mineral oils and used in skin
lotions.
calcareous
Composed of calcium carbonate, calcium, or limestone; chalky.
cale
Variety of cabbage in which the leaves do not form a head, being nearly
the wild form of the species; also called kail.
calomel
Colorless, white or brown tasteless compound, Hg2Cl2, used as a
purgative and insecticide. Mercurous chloride.
cambric
Finely woven white linen or cotton fabric.
capsicum
Topical American pepper plants, genus Capsicum, especially C. annuum and
C. frutescens.
carbuncle
A painful localized bacterial infection of the skin that usually has
several openings discharging pus.
cardamom
Rhizomatous (horizontal, usually underground stem) Indian herb
(Elettaria cardamomum) having capsular fruits with aromatic seeds used
as a spice or condiment. Plants of the related genus Amomum, used as a
substitute for cardamom.
carminative
Inducing the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines.
cassia
Tropical or subtropical trees, shrubs, or herbs of the genus Cassia in
the pea family, having yellow flowers, and long, flat or cylindrical
pods. Tropical Asian evergreen tree (Cinnamomum cassia) having aromatic
bark used as a substitute for cinnamon.
Castile soap
Fine, hard, white, odorless soap made of olive oil and sodium hydroxide.
castor oil
Colorless or pale yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the
castor-oil plant, used as a laxative and skin softener.
catarrh
Inflammation of mucous membranes, especially in the nose and throat.
caudal
Near the tail or hind parts; posterior. Similar to a tail in form or
function.
cerate
Hard, unctuous, fat or wax-based solid, sometimes medicated, formerly
applied to the skin directly or on dressings.
chambray
Fine lightweight fabric woven with white threads across a colored warp.
chancel
Space around the altar of a church for the clergy and sometimes the
choir, often enclosed by a lattice or railing.
chary
Cautious; wary; not giving or expending freely; sparing.
chelidnium
Herbs of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) with brittle stems, yellowish
acrid juice, pinnately divided leaves, and small yellow flowers that
includes the celandine. Preparation of celandine (Chelidonium majus)
used formerly as a diuretic.
Cheviot
Breed of sheep with short thick wool, originally raised in the Cheviot
Hills. Fabric of coarse twill weave, used for suits and overcoats,
originally made of Cheviot wool.
chicken pox
Caused by the varicella-zoster virus; indicated by skin eruptions,
slight fever, and malaise. Also called varicella.
chilblain
Inflammation and itchy irritation of the hands, feet, or ears, caused by
moist cold.
chloral hydrate
Colorless crystalline compound, CCl3CH(OH)2, used as a sedative and
hypnotic.
chlorosis
Iron-deficiency anemia, primarily of young women, indicated by
greenish-yellow skin color.
cholera infantum
Acute non-contagious intestinal disturbance of infants formerly common
in congested areas with high humidity and temperature.
cholera morbus
Acute gastroenteritis occurring in summer and autumn exhibiting severe
cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. No longer in scientific use.
chorea
Nervous disorders marked by involuntary, jerky movements, especially of
the arms, legs, and face.
Chrysarobin
Bitter, yellow substance in Goa powder (from the wood of a Brazilian
tree Vataireopsis araroba), and yielding chrysophanic acid; formerly
called chrysphanic acid.
Cinnamyl
Hypothetical radical, (C6H5.C2H2)2C, of cinnamic compounds. Formerly,
cinnamule.
clonic
The nature of clonus--contraction and relaxation of muscle.
cocculus
Poisonous bean-shaped berry of a woody vine (Anamirta cocculus) of the
East Indies that yields picrotoxin.
cochineal
Red dye made of the dried and pulverized bodies of female cochineal
insects.
coddle
Cook in water below the boiling point: coddle eggs. Treat indulgently;
baby; pamper.
codling (codlin)
Greenish elongated English apple used for cooking. Small unripe apple.
colchicum
Various bulbous plants of the genus Colchicum, such as the autumn
crocus. The dried ripe seeds or corms (short thick solid food-storing
underground stem) of the autumn crocus which yield colchicine.
collodion
Highly flammable, colorless or yellowish syrupy solution of pyroxylin,
ether, and alcohol, used as an adhesive to close small wounds and hold
surgical dressings, in topical medications, and for making photographic
plates.
colombo (calumba)
Root of an African plant (Jatrorrhiza palmata, family Menispermaceae)
containing columbin; it is used as a tonic called calumba root or
colombo root.
colostrum (foremilk)
Thin yellowish fluid secreted by the mammary glands at birth, rich in
antibodies and minerals. It precedes the production of true milk.
coltsfoot (galax)
Eurasian herb (Tussilago farfara), naturalized in parts of North America
with dandelion-like flower heads. Dried leaves or flower heads of this
plant have been long used in herbal medicine to treat coughs.
consomme
Clear soup or bouillion boiled down so as to be very rich.
contretemps
Unforeseen disruption of the normal course of things; inopportune
occurrence.
copaiba
Transparent, often yellowish, viscous oleoresin from South American
trees of the genus Copaifera in the pea family, used in varnishes and as
a fixative in perfume.
corrosive sublimate
Mercuric chloride.
costal
Relating to or near a rib.
costive
Constipated
cream of tartar
Potassium bitartrate. White, acid, crystalline solid or powder,
KHC4H4O6, used in baking powder, in the tinning of metals, and as a
laxative.
Creasote (creosote)
Colorless to yellowish oily liquid containing phenols and creosols,
obtained by the destructive distillation of wood tar, especially from
beech, and formerly used as an expectorant in treating chronic
bronchitis. Also used as a wood preservative and disinfectant. May cause
severe neurological disturbances if inhaled.
crepe de Chine
Silk crepe used for dresses and blouses.
cretonne
Heavy unglazed cotton, linen, or rayon fabric, colorfully printed and
used for draperies and slipcovers.
croton oil
Brownish-yellow, foul-smelling oil from the seeds of a tropical Asian
shrub or small tree (Croton tiglium); formerly used as a drastic
purgative and counterirritant. Its use was discontinued because of its
toxicity.
croup
Condition of the larynx, especially in infants and children, causing
respiratory difficulty and a hoarse, brassy cough.
Culver's root
Perennial herb (Veronicastrum virginicum) native to eastern North
America; the root was formerly used as a cathartic and an emetic.
cupping
Therapeutic procedure, no longer in use; an evacuated glass cup is
applied to the skin to draw blood to the surface.
Cuprum
Copper.
Curacao
Flavored with sour orange peel. Popular island resort in the Netherlands
Antilles.
cystitis
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
damask
Rich patterned fabric of cotton, linen, silk, or wool. Fine, twilled
table linen.
decollete
Cut low at the neckline. Wearing a garment that is low-cut or strapless.
demi-monde
Class of women kept by wealthy lovers or protectors; prostitutes; group
whose respectability is dubious or whose success is marginal.
demulcent
Soothing, usually mucilaginous or oily substance, such as glycerin or
lanolin, used to relieve pain of irritated mucous membranes.
diathesis
Hereditary predisposition to disease, allergy, or other disorder.
digitalis
Plant of the genus Digitalis, including foxgloves. Drug prepared from
the seeds and dried leaves used as a cardiac stimulant.
dilatory
Delay or postpone.
discomfit
Make uneasy or perplexed; disconcert; embarrass; thwart the plans of;
frustrate.
dry cupping
See cupping.
dysmenorrhea
Painful menstruation.
effusion
Seeping of serous, purulent, or bloody fluid into a body cavity or
tissue. The effused fluid.
empyema
Pus in a body cavity, especially the pleural cavity.
ennui
Listlessness, dissatisfaction, lack of interest; boredom:
Epsom salts
Hydrated magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O, used as a cathartic and to
reduce inflammation.
ergot
Fungus (Claviceps purpurea) infecting cereal plants; forms compact black
masses of branching filaments that replace many of the grains of the
host plant. Disease caused by such a fungus. The dried sclerotia of
ergot obtained from rye is a source of several medicinal alkaloids and
lysergic acid.
erigeron
Genus of composite herbs having flower heads resembling asters. Formerly
used as a diuretic and as a hemostatic in uterine hemorrhage
erysipelas
Acute skin disease caused by hemolytic streptococcus; marked by
localized inflammation and fever. Also called Saint Anthony's fire.
eschar
Dry scab or slough formed on the skin caused by a burn or by the action
of a corrosive or caustic substance.
eucaine
A crystalline substance, C15H21NO2, used as a local anesthetic,
substituting for cocaine, in veterinary medicine.
eucalyptol (cineole)
Colorless oily liquid, C10H18O, from eucalyptus; used in
pharmaceuticals, flavoring, and perfumery.
eucalyptus
Trees of the genus Eucalyptus, native to Australia; they have aromatic
leaves that yield an oil used medicinally.
farcy (see glanders)
Chronic form of glanders that affects the skin and superficial lymph
vessels.
febrile
ferverish
felon
Painful purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area
surrounding the nail. Also called whitlow.
ferrocyanate
Salt of ferrocyanic acid; a ferrocyanide.
fistula
An abnormal duct or passage resulting from injury, disease, or other
disorder that connects an abscess, cavity, or hollow organ to the body
surface or to another hollow organ.
flounce
Strip of decorative, gathered or pleated material attached by one edge,
as on a garment or curtain.
fondant
Sweet creamy sugar paste used in candies and icings. Candy containing
this paste.
fontanelles
The soft membranous gaps between the incompletely formed cranial bones
of a fetus or an infant. Also called soft spot.
formaldehyde
Colorless gaseous compound, HCHO, used to manufacture resins,
fertilizers, dyes, and embalming fluids and in aqueous solution as a
preservative and disinfectant.
formalin
Aqueous solution of formaldehyde that is 37 percent by weight.
fossa
A small depression, as in a bone.
foulard
Lightweight twill or plain-woven fabric of silk or silk and cotton,
often having a small printed design. Necktie or scarf, made of this
fabric.
Fowler's solution
Solution of arsenite of potassium in water; named for Fowler, an English
physician who brought it into use.
frock coat
Man's dress coat or suit coat with knee-length skirts.
fuller's earth
Highly adsorbent (attaches to other substances without any chemical
action) clay-like substance consisting of hydrated aluminum silicates;
used in talcum powders.
fly blister
Blister caused by the vesicating (blistering) body fluid of certain
beetles.
fusiform
Tapered at each end; spindle-shaped.
galatea
Durable, often striped cotton fabric used in making clothing.
gallic acid
Colorless crystalline compound, C7H6O5, derived from tannin used as a
tanning agent, ink dye, in photography, and paper manufacturing.
gamboge
Brownish or orange resin from trees of the genus Garcinia of
south-central Asia and yielding a golden-yellow pigment.
gaucherie
Awkward or tactless act, manner, or expression.
gelsemium
Genus of climbing plants. The yellow (false) jasmine (Gelsemium
sempervirens) is a native of the Southern United States; the root is
used for malarial fevers.
gentian
Plants of the genus Gentiana, having showy, variously colored flowers.
The dried rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered European gentian, G.
lutea, used as a tonic.
germander
Aromatic plants of the genus Teucrium, with purplish or reddish flowers.
gingham
Yarn-dyed cotton fabric woven in stripes, checks, plaids, or solid
colors.
glace
Smooth, glazed or glossy surface, such as certain silks or leathers.
Coated with a sugar glaze; candied.
glairy
Slimy consistency, like egg white; cough producing glairy sputum.
glanders
Contagious, usually fatal disease of horses, caused by the bacterium
Pseudomonas mallei; causes swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, and
ulcers of the respiratory tract and skin. Communicable to other mammals,
including humans.
glaubers salts
(Na2SO4.10H2O); colorless salt used as a cathartic.
gleet
Inflammation of the urethra caused by chronic gonorrhea with a discharge
of mucus and pus; the discharge that is characteristic of this
inflammation.
Glonoin
Dilute solution of nitroglycerin used as a neurotic.
glycerite
Preparation made by mixing or dissolving a substance in glycerin.
glycyrrhiza
Widely distributed perennial herbs of the family Leguminosae that
include licorice. Dried root of a licorice of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G.
glabra); used to mask unpleasant flavors in drugs or to give a pleasant
taste to confections called licorice.
goiter (goitre)
Enlargement of the thyroid gland; often results from insufficient intake
of iodine.
golden seal
See hydrastis.
groats
Hulled, usually crushed grain, especially oats.
grosgrain
Closely woven silk or rayon fabric with narrow horizontal ribs. Ribbon
made of this fabric.
gruel
Thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal). See page 574.
guaiacum (guaiac )
Tree of the genus Guaiacum; a lignum vitae. Greenish-brown resin from
this tree, used medicinally and in varnishes.
gustatory
Concerning the sense of taste.
haematuria
Blood in the urine.
hamamelis
Genus of shrubs or small trees (family Hamamelidaceae), including the
witch hazels. Dried leaves of a witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) of
the eastern U.S. used formerly as a tonic and sedative.
hartshorn
Antler of a hart, formerly used as a source of ammonia and in smelling
salts. Ammonium carbonate.
hellebore
Plants of the genus Helleborus, native to Eurasia, most of which are
poisonous. Plants of the genus Veratrum, especially V. viride of North
America, yielding a toxic alkaloid used medicinally.
henna
Tree or shrub (Lawsonia inermis) of the Middle East, having fragrant
white or reddish flowers. Reddish-orange dyestuff prepared from the
dried and ground leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic dye and for
coloring leather and fabrics. To dye (hair, for example) with henna.
Hepar
Liver of sulphur; a substance of a liver-brown color, sometimes used in
medicine. Fformed by fusing sulphur with carbonates of the alkalies
(esp. potassium), and consists essentially of alkaline sulphides. Called
also hepar sulphuris. A substance resembling hepar; in homeopathy,
calcium sulphide, called also hepar sulphuris calcareum.
hepatica (liverleaf)
Woodland plants of the genus Hepatica, especially H. americana of
eastern North America, having three-lobed leaves and white or lavender
flowers.
Herpes Zoster
Varicella-zoster virus: A herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and
shingles. Causes an acute viral infection--inflammation of the sensory
ganglia of spinal or cranial nerves and the eruption of vesicles along
the affected nerve path. It usually strikes only one side of the body
and is often accompanied by severe neuralgia.
Honduras Bark
Dried bark of a tropical American tree (Picramnia antidesma) formerly
used in the treatment of syphilis and skin diseases.
Hunyadi (Hunyady )
Hungarian noble family, partly of Romanian origin. The first recorded
member of the family was Serbe, who settled in Hunyad county in
Transylvania from Wallachia.
hydrastis
Genus of herbs (family Ranunculaceae) with palmately lobed leaves and
small greenish flowers and including the goldenseal (H. canadensis). The
dried rhizome and roots of the goldenseal formerly used in pharmacy as a
bitter tonic and antiseptic called also goldenseal.
hydragogue
Cathartics that aid in the removal of edematous fluids and promote the
discharge of fluid from the bowels.
hydrophobia (rabies)
Viral disease of the nervous system of warm-blooded animals. Transmitted
by a rhabdovirus (genus Lyssavirus) in infected saliva of a rabid
animal. Causes increased salivation, abnormal behavior, and paralysis
and death when untreated
hypophosphite
Salt of hypophosphorous acid.
hyoscine (scopolamine)
An alkaloid, C17H21NO4, from plants such as henbane; used as a mydriatic
(dilatate the pupils) and sedative, and to treat nausea and motion
sickness.
hyoscyamus
Poisonous Eurasian herbs of the family Solanaceae that have simple
leaves, irregular flowers, and include the henbane (H. niger). Dried
leaves of the henbane containing the alkaloids hyoscyamine and
scopolamine, used as an antispasmodic and sedative.
ichthyol
Oily substance prepared by the dry distillation of a bituminous mineral
containing fossil fishes. Used as a remedy for some skin diseases.
ignatia
Dried ripe seeds of the Saint-Ignatius's-bean used like nux vomica.
impetigo
Contagious bacterial skin infection, usually of children, indicated by
the eruption of superficial pustules with thick yellow crusts, commonly
on the face.
incommode
Cause inconvenience; disturb.
inspissate
Undergo thickening or cause to thicken, as by boiling or evaporation;
condense.
intercostal
Relating to or near a rib.
iodoform
Yellowish crystalline compound, CHI3, used as an antiseptic.
ipecac
Tropical American shrub (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) that yields emetine.
Medicinal preparation made from this shrub used to induce vomiting.
iritis
Inflammation of the iris of the eye.
jalap
Eastern Mexican vine (Ipomoea purga) with tuberous roots that are dried,
powdered, and used as a cathartic.
jocose
Given to joking; merry; humorous.
kamala
Asian tree (Mallotus philippinensis) that bears a hairy capsular fruit;
vermifugal powder is obtained from the capsules of this tree.
kino
Reddish resin from several Old World trees of the genera Eucalyptus,
Pterocarpus, and Butea and from tropical American trees of the genera
Coccoloba and Dipteryx.
kumiss (koumiss)
Fermented milk of a mare or camel, used as a beverage in western and
central Asia.
La Grippe
Influenza.
lancinating
Sensation of cutting, piercing, or stabbing.
lard
White solid or semisolid rendered fat of a hog.
laudanum
Tincture of opium, formerly used as a drug.
litmus
Coloring material from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue
in alkaline solutions.
lobelia
See Herb Department, page 428.
lochia
Normal uterine discharge of blood, tissue, and mucus from the vagina
after childbirth.
lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus. Chronic skin conditions characterized by
ulcerative lesions that spread over the body. No longer in scientific
use.
lupulin
Minute yellowish-brown hairs in the strobili of the hop plant, formerly
used in medicine as a sedative.
lycopodium
Plant of the genus Lycopodium, including club mosses. The yellowish
powdery spores of certain club mosses, especially Lycopodium clavatum,
are used in fireworks and as a coating for pills.
madras
Cotton or silk cloth of fine texture, usually with a plaid, striped, or
checked pattern. Large handkerchief of madras cloth.
malines
Thin, stiff net woven in a hexagonal pattern, used in dressmaking.
mandrake (may-apple)
Southern European plant (Mandragora officinarum) having greenish-yellow
flowers and a branched root. This plant was once believed to have
magical powers because its root resembles the human body. The root
contains the poisonous alkaloid hyoscyamine. Also called mandragora. See
podophyllin.
marseille
Heavy cotton fabric with a raised pattern of stripes or figures.
meatus
Body opening or passage, such as the opening of the ear or the urethra.
menorrhagia
Unusually heavy or extended menstrual flow.
menstruum
Solvent used to extract compounds from plant and animal tissues and
preparing drugs.
messaline
Lightweight, soft, shiny silk cloth with a twilled or satin weave.
mezereon
Poisonous Eurasian ornamental shrub (Daphne mezereum) with fragrant
lilac-purple flowers and small scarlet fruit. The dried bark of this
plant was used externally as a vesicant (blistering agent) and
internally for arthritis.
miliary
Appearance of millet seeds. Small skin lesions with the appearance of
millet seeds.
mullein
Eurasian plants of the genus Verbascum, especially V. thapsus. Also
called flannel leaf, velvet plant.
muriate
Chloride; compound of chlorine with another element or radical;
especially, a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid called.
myrrh
Aromatic gum resin from trees and shrubs of the genus Commiphora of
India, Arabia, and eastern Africa, used in perfume and incense.
methyl salicylate
Liquid ester C8H8O3 obtained from the leaves of wintergreen (Gaultheria
procumbens) or the bark of a birch (Betula lenta); now made
synthetically, and used as a flavoring and a counterirritant.
motherwort
Eurasian plants of the genus Leonurus, especially L. cardiaca, a weed
having clusters of small purple or pink flowers.
mugwort
Aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia, especially A. vulgaris, native
to Eurasia; used as a condiment.
nephritis
Various acute or chronic inflammations of the kidneys, such as Bright's
disease.
nebulize
To convert a liquid to a fine spray; atomize.
To treat with a medicated spray.
nainsook
Soft lightweight muslin used for babies.
Neroli
An essential oil made by distilling the flowers of the orange; it is
used in perfume.
nux vomica
Tree (Strychnos nux-vomica) native to southeast Asia, having poisonous
seeds that are the source of the medicinal alkaloids strychnine and
brucine.
ocher (ochre)
Yellow, brown, or red mineral oxides of iron used as pigments.
oil of vitriol
Sulfuric acid; highly corrosive, dense, oily liquid, H2SO4, colorless to
dark brown depending on its purity and used to manufacture a wide
variety of chemicals and materials including fertilizers, paints,
detergents, and explosives.
omentum
Folds of the peritoneum (membrane lining the abdominal cavity) that
connect the stomach with other abdominal organs.
orchitis
Inflammation of the testes, often the result of mumps or other
infection, trauma, or metastasis.
organdy (organdie)
Stiff transparent fabric of cotton or silk, used for trim, curtains, and
light apparel.
Origanum
Marjoram. Genus of mint-like plants (Origanum). The sweet marjoram (O.
Majorana) is aromatic and fragrant, and used in cooking. The wild
marjoram of Europe and America (O. vulgare) is less fragrant.
orris
Several species of iris with a fragrant rootstock, especially Iris
germanica, used in perfumes and cosmetics.
panada
Paste or gruel of bread crumbs, toast, or flour combined with milk,
stock, or water; used for soups or thickening sauces.
paregoric
A camphorated tincture of opium, taken internally for the relief of
diarrhea and intestinal pain
Paris green
Poisonous emerald-green powder, C4H6As6Cu4O16, used as a pigment,
insecticide, and wood preservative.
pedicle (pedicel)
Small stalk or stalk-like structure, especially one supporting or
connecting an organ or other body part. Slender foot-like part, as at
the base of a tumor.
pell mell
Jumbled, confused manner; helter-skelter; frantic disorderly haste;
headlong:
pemphigus
Several acute or chronic skin diseases characterized by groups of
itching blisters.
pennyroyal
Eurasian mint (Mentha pulegium) with small lilac-blue flowers that yield
an aromatic oil. Aromatic plant (Hedeoma pulegioides) of eastern North
America, having purple-blue flowers that yields an oil used as an insect
repellent
peptonize
Convert protein into a peptone (water-soluble protein derivative
produced by partial hydrolysis of a protein by an acid or enzyme ).
Dissolve (food) by means of a proteolytic enzyme.
pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx.
phenacetine (phenacetin)
White, crystalline compound, C10H13O2N, used as an antipyretic.
phlox
North American plants of the genus Phlox, having opposite leaves and
flowers.
picric acid
Poisonous, yellow crystalline solid, C6H2(NO2)3OH, used in explosives,
dyes, and antiseptics.
piece de resistance
Outstanding accomplishment. Principal dish of a meal.
pilocarpus
Small tropical American shrubs (family Rutaceae) with small greenish
flowers.
pilocarpine muriate
3-ethyl-4-[(3-methylimidazol-4-yl)methyl]oxolan-2-one hydrochloride
C11H17ClN2O2
pique
Vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; feeling of wounded
pride.
pleurodynia
Paroxysmal pain and soreness of the muscles between the ribs. Epidemic
disease caused by a coxsackievirus, causing pain in the lower chest and
fever, headache, and malaise.
podophyllin
Bitter-tasting resin from the dried root of the may apple; used as a
cathartic.
prickly ash
Deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees of the genus Zanthoxylum.
probang
Long, slender, flexible rod with a tuft or sponge at the end; used to
remove objects from or apply medication to the larynx or esophagus.
proud flesh
Swollen flesh that surrounds a healing wound, caused by excessive
granulation (Small, fleshy, bead-like protuberances--new capillaries--on
the surface of a wound that is healing).
pruritus
Severe itching, often of undamaged skin.
pterygium
Abnormal mass of tissue on the conjunctiva of the inner corner of the
eye that obstructs vision by covering the cornea.
pulsatilla
Dried medicinal herb from a pasqueflower (especially Anemone pulsatilla)
formerly used to treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
punctilio
Fine point of etiquette. Precise observance of formalities.
purpura
Hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes having the appearance of
purplish spots or patches.
pyemia
Septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by pyogenic (producing pus)
microorganisms in the blood, often resulting in the formation of
multiple abscesses.
pyrogallic Acid
White, toxic crystalline phenol, C6H3(OH)3, used as a photographic
developer and to treat certain skin diseases.
quassia
Tropical American shrub (Quassia amara) with bright scarlet flowers. A
bitter substance from its wood is used in medicine and as an
insecticide.
Queen of the meadow (Meadowsweet)
European herbaceous plant (Spiraea Ulmaria). North American shrubs
(Spiraea alba or S. latifolia) having umbel-shaped clusters of white
flowers. Perennial herbs of the genus Filipendula in the rose family.
quinine
Bitter, colorless, powder or crystalline alkaloid, C20H24N2O2-3H2O,
derived from cinchona barks and used to treat malaria.
quince
Western Asian shrub or tree (Cydonia oblonga) with white flowers and
hard apple-like fruit.
quinsy
Acute inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissue, often leading
to an abscess.
rabies
see hydrophobia
ranunculus bulbosus
Perennial Old World buttercup with yellow flowers in late spring to
early summer.
red precipitate
Mercuric oxide (HgO) a heavy red crystalline powder formed by heating
mercuric nitrate, or by heating mercury in the air.
repousse
Ornamented with patterns in relief made by pressing or hammering on the
reverse side;
resorcinol (resorcin)
White crystalline compound, C6H4(OH)2, used to treat certain skin
diseases and in dyes, resin adhesives, and pharmaceuticals.
rhatany
Dried root of South American shrubs (Krameria lappacea or K. argentea)
used as an astringent and in toothpaste and mouthwash.
rheumatic fever
Acute inflammatory disease occurring after an infection from group A
streptococci, marked by fever and joint pain. Associated with
polyarthritis, Sydenham's chorea, and endocarditis; frequently causes
scarring of the heart valves.
rheumatism
Painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues. Chronic
auto-immune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked
deformities.
rhus
Genus of vines and shrubs including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison
sumac.
rickets (rachitis)
Childhood disease caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium and from
insufficient exposure to sunlight, characterized by defective bone
growth.
Rochelle salts
Potassium sodium tartrate; colorless efflorescent crystalline compound,
KNaC4H4O6.4H2O, used in making mirrors, in electronics, and as a
laxative
ruche
Ruffle or pleat of lace, muslin, or other fine fabric used to trim
women's garments.
rush
Stiff marsh plants of the genus Juncus, having pliant hollow or pithy
stems and small flowers with scale-like perianths (outer envelope of a
flower,).
sago
Powdery starch from the trunks of sago palms; used in Asia as a food
thickener and textile stiffener.
sal-ammoniac
ammonium chloride; white crystalline volatile salt NH4Cl, used in dry
cells and as an expectorant called.
saleratus
Sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda.
salicylate
Salt or ester of salicylic acid.
salicylic acid
White crystalline acid, C6H4(OH)(COOH), used to make aspirin and to
treat skin conditions such as eczema.
salol
White crystalline powder, C13H10O3, derived from salicylic acid and used
in plastics, suntan oils, analgesics and antipyretics. Was a trademark.
salt rheum
Popular name in the United States, for skin eruptions, such as eczema.
Eczema; inflammatory skin disease, indicated by redness and itching,
eruption of small vesicles, and discharge of a watery exudation, which
often dries up, leaving the skin covered with crusts;--called also
tetter, and milk crust.
sanguinaria
Rhizome (horizontal, underground stem) and roots of the bloodroot
(Sanguinaria canadensis) used formerly as an expectorant and emetic.
sedulous
Persevering and constant in effort or application; assiduous.
senna
Plants of the genus Cassia, having showy, nearly regular, usually yellow
flowers. Dried leaves of Cassia angustifolia or C. acutifolia, used as a
cathartic.
santonin
Colorless crystalline compound, C15H18O3, wormwood, especially
santonica; used to expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms.
sarsaparilla
Tropical American plants, genus Smilax, with fragrant roots used as a
flavoring. Dried roots of any of these plants. Sweet soft drink flavored
with these roots.
savin
Evergreen Eurasian shrub (Juniperus sabina) with brownish-blue
seed-bearing cones and young shoots that yield an oil formerly used
medicinally.
scrofula (struma)
A form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes, especially of the
neck. Common in children. Spread by unpasteurized milk from infected
cows.
scurf
Scaly or shredded dry skin, such as dandruff.
scurvy
Disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C (citrus fruit; oranges,
limes,..); causes spongy and bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin, and
extreme weakness.
Seidlitz
A village in Bohemia (also Sedlitz). Seidlitz powders, effervescing
salts, consisting of forty grains of sodium bicarbonate, two drachms of
Rochell salt (tartrate of potassium and sodium) and thirty-five grains
of tartaric acid. The powders are mixed in water, and drunk while
effervescing, as a mild cathartic; the result resembles the natural
water of Seidlitz. Also Rochelle powders.
senega
Dried root of seneca snakeroot containing an irritating saponin and was
formerly used as an expectorant
sesquioxide
Oxide containing three atoms of oxygen with two atoms (or radicals) of
some other substance; thus, alumina, Al2O3 is a sesquioxide.
shirr
Cook (unshelled eggs) by baking until set.
sinapism.
See mustard plaster.
sitz bath
Bathtub shaped like a chair, used to bathe only the hips and buttocks.
slaked lime
See lime
sling
Drink consisting of brandy, whiskey, or gin, sweetened and usually
lemon-flavored.
smallpox
Contagious febrile (feverish) disease characterized by skin eruption
with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation. It is caused by a poxvirus
(genus Orthopoxvirus) that is believed to exist now only in lab
cultures.
Socotrine
Pertaining to Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, on the east coast
of Africa.
sordes
Dark brown or blackish crust-like deposits on the lips, teeth, and gums
of a person with dehydration resulting from a chronic debilitating
disease.
spermaceti
White, waxy substance from the head of the sperm whale used for making
candles, ointments, and cosmetics.
spematorrhea (spermatorrhoea)
Involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm
spigelia (pinkroot )
Genus of American herbs (family Loganiaceae) related to the nux vomica
and used as anthelmintics (expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms).
sprue
Chronic, chiefly tropical disease characterized by diarrhea, emaciation,
and anemia, caused by defective absorption of nutrients from the
intestinal tract.
stephanotis
Woody climbing plants of the genus Stephanotis, especially S. floribunda
of Madagascar, cultivated for its showy fragrant white flowers.
staphisagria (stavesacre)
Eurasian plant of the genus Delphinium (D. staphisagria). Ripe seeds of
the stavesacre contain delphinine, are violently emetic and carthartic,
and have been used to kill head lice called also staphisagria
steppage
Peculiar gait seen in neuritis of the peroneal nerve and in tabes
dorsalis; high stepping to allow the drooping foot and toes to clear the
ground.
stertorous
Harsh snoring or gasping sound.
stevia
Plant of the genus Stevia or Piqueria, having white or purplish
flowers.
stiletto
Small dagger with a slender, tapering blade. Small, sharp-pointed
instrument used for making eyelet holes in needlework.
stillingia
Genus of widely distributed herbs and shrubs (family Euphorbiaceae). The
dried root of a plant of the genus Stillingia (S. sylvatica) was
formerly used as a diuretic, and laxative.
stomachic
Relating to the stomach; gastric. Beneficial to digestion. An agent that
strengthens the stomach.
strychnine
Extremely poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C21H22O2N2, derived from
nux vomica and related plants, used to poison rodents and topically in
medicine as a stimulant for the central nervous system.
stupe
Hot, wet, medicated cloth used as a compress.
stye (hordeolum)
Inflamed swelling of a sebaceous gland at the margin of an eyelid.
suety
Consisting of, or resembling, suet (hard fatty tissues around the
kidneys of cattle and sheep, used in cooking and for making tallow.)
sugar of lead
lead acetate, a poisonous white crystalline compound, Pb(C2H3O2)2.3H2O,
used in hair dyes, waterproofing compounds, and varnishes.
sumbul
Root of a plant of the genus Ferula (F. sumbul); formerly a tonic and
antispasmodic.
Sulphonal
Produced by combining mercaptan and acetone; employed as a hypnotic.
sulphuric ether
Ethyl ether; formerly called Naphtha vitrioli (naphtha of vitriol).
sumac (sumach)
Shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus, having compound leaves,
clusters of small greenish flowers, and usually red, hairy fruit. Some
species, such as the poison ivy and poison oak, cause an acute itching
rash on contact.
suppuration
Formation or discharge of pus. Also called pyesis, pyopoiesis, pyosis.
suprarenal
Located above the kidney; a suprarenal part, especially an adrenal
gland.
sweet william
Annual, biennial, or perennial herb (Dianthus barbatus), native to
Eurasia, widely cultivated as an ornamental for its flat-topped dense
clusters of varicolored flowers.
synechia
Adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea caused by trauma or
eye surgery or as a complication of glaucoma or cataracts; may cause
blindness
terebenthene
Oil of turpentine.
terebinth
Mediterranean tree (Pistacia terebinthus), a source of tanning material
and turpentine.
tetter
Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, herpes) that cause eruptions and
itching.
thrall
Slave or serf, who is held in bondage. One intellectually or morally
enslaved.
thrush
A contagious childhood disease caused by a fungus, Candida albicans.
Causes small whitish eruptions on the mouth, throat, and tongue, and
usually accompanied by fever, colic, and diarrhea.
thuja (arborvitae)
A North American or east Asian evergreen tree or shrub of the genus
Thuja, having flattened branchlets with opposite, scale-like leaves and
small cones; used as ornamentals and timber. A similar plant of the
genus Platycladus or Thujopsis.
thymol
White, crystalline, aromatic compound, C10H14O, derived from thyme oil
and other oils or made synthetically and used as an antiseptic, a
fungicide, and a preservative.
torpid
Lacking the power of motion or feeling.
tragacanth
Thorny shrubs of the genus Astragalus, especially A. gummifer, of the
Middle East, yielding a gum used in pharmacy, adhesives, and textile
printing.
trephine
Surgical instrument with circular edges, used to cut out disks of bone
from the skull.
trional
Contains three ethyls. Similar to sulphonal, used as a hypnotic.
turbinated
Shaped like a top. A small curved bone in the lateral wall of the nasal
passage.
tulle
Fine, starched net of silk, rayon, or nylon, used for veils, tutus, or
gowns.
turmeric (tumeric)
East Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family
(Zingiberaceae) used as a coloring agent, a condiment, or a stimulant.
Yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric.
ulster
Loose, long overcoat made of rugged fabric.
umbrage
Offense; resentment. Affording shade. Vague or indistinct indication; a
hint.
Uva Ursi
Common bearberry; a procumbent (trailing along the ground but not
rooting) evergreen shrub 10-30 cm high with red berries.
Valerianate (Valerianic)
One of three metameric acids; the typical one (called also inactive
valeric acid), C4H9CO2H, is from valerian root and other sources; it is
a corrosive, oily liquid, with a strong acid taste, and the odor of old
cheese.
valvular
Resembling or functioning as a valve. Relating to a valve, especially of
the heart.
varioloid
Mild form of smallpox occurring in people previously vaccinated or who
previously had the disease.
vegetable marrow
Squash plants with elongated fruit and smooth dark green skin and
whitish flesh.
veratrum
Poisonous alkaloid from the root hellebore (Veratrum) and from sabadilla
seeds. Used externally to treat neuralgia and rheumatism.
verdigris
Blue or green powder, basic cupric acetate used as a paint pigment and
fungicide. A green patina of copper sulfate or copper chloride on
copper, brass, and bronze exposed to air or seawater.
vermifuge
Medicine that expels intestinal worms.
vervain (verbena)
New World plants of the genus Verbena, especially those with showy
spikes of variously colored flowers.
Vichy water
Sparkling mineral water from springs at Vichy, France or water similar
to it.
vis-a-vis
One that is face to face with or opposite to another.
vitiate
Reduce the value; impair the quality; corrupt morally; debase; make
ineffective; invalidate.
voile
Light, plain-weave, sheer fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or wool used
for dresses and curtains.
wahoo
Shrubby North American tree of the genus Euonymus (E. atropurpureus)
having a root bark with cathartic properties.
Waldorf salad
Diced raw apples, celery, and walnuts mixed with mayonnaise.
wen
Harmless cyst, usually on the scalp or face, containing the fatty
secretion of a sebaceous gland.
whortleberry
Two deciduous shrubs, Vaccinium myrtillus, of Eurasia, or V. corymbosum,
of eastern North America, having edible blackish berries.
wontedness
Being accustomed.
yarrow
Plants of the genus Achillea, especially A. millefolium, native to
Eurasia. Also called achillea, milfoil.
yerba reuma
A low California undershrub (Frankenia grandifolia).
Zingiber
Tropical Asiatic and Polynesian perennial plants: ginger.
zwieback
Sweetened bread baked as a loaf and then sliced and toasted.
The pound is the same as the pound Troy. Medicines are bought and sold in
quantities by Avoirdupois Weight.
C = (F - 32) / 1.8
F = (C x 1.8) + 32
U.S. Length
barrel
(wine) 31 1/2 gallons 119.24 liters
(beer) 36 gallons 136.27 liters
(oil) 42 gallons 158.98 liters
U.S. Weight
Cooking Measures
Apothecary Weights
MOTHER'S' REMEDIES
Over One Thousand
Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of
the United States and Canada.
Also
Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Diet, Nursing,
Treatments, Etc., of Every Known Disease.
Poisons, Accidents, Medicinal Herbs and
Special Departments on Women, Children and
Infants,
by
DR. T. J. RITTER
Formerly connected with Medical Faculty of
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich.
PUBLISHED BY
G.H. FOOTE PUB. CO.
DETROIT
MICH
1921
Copyright, 1910
by
G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO.
All rights reserved
Copyright, 1915
by
G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO.
All rights reserved
PREFACE. [iii]
So physicians find it necessary to have more than one remedy for a given
ill; they still find truth in the old adage, "What is one man's meat is
another's poison." But Mother finds a variety of remedies necessary for
another reason. Her medicine-chest is usually lacking the full quota of
drugs required to meet the many emergencies, and she must turn to the
"remedy at hand."
Necessity has again proved its influence and with the years thousands of
simple home concoctions have found their way to the relief of the daily
demands on Mother's ingenuity. These mothers' remedies have become a
valuable asset to the raising of a family, and have become a recognized
essential in a Mother's general equipment for home-making.
For fifteen years the Publisher has handled so-called home medical works;
during that time he has had occasion to examine practically all the home
medical works published. He has been impressed with the utter uselessness
of many, perhaps most, of these books because the simple home remedies
were lacking.
A few years ago he conceived the idea of gathering together the "Mothers'
Remedies" of the world. This one feature of this book he claims as
distinctly his own. Letters were sent by him to Mothers in every state and
territory of the United States, and to Canada and other countries, asking
for tried and tested "Mothers' Remedies." The appeal was met with prompt
replies, and between one thousand and two thousand valuable remedies were
collected in this way.
Through courtesy to these Mothers who helped to make this book possible,
the book was named "MOTHERS' REMEDIES."
Mrs. Elizabeth Johnstone, who writes the department on "Manners and Social
Customs," is the only daughter of the late Francis Gardiner, one of the
early settlers of Washtenaw County, Michigan. She was educated at the
State Normal School, now the Normal College at Ypsilanti, and taught for
several years after graduation. In 1880 she married the late Robert
Ferguson Johnstone, editor of the Michigan Farmer, and after his death
became editor of the Household Department of that paper. In 1895, the
Farmer having passed into other ownership, she became a member of the
Editorial Staff of the Detroit Free Press, where,--continuing to write
under the pseudonym of "Beatrix" she has become widely known through the
vast circulation of that paper.
Miss Edna Gertrude Thompson, who supplies the chapter on Domestic Science,
is a graduate of the Northern State Normal of Michigan. She was for a time
a teacher in the Public Schools of Michigan and New York State. Miss
Thompson later graduated from and is now the director of the Domestic
Science Department of the Thomas Normal Training School of Detroit,
Michigan.
Miss Thompson has won an enviable reputation in Domestic Science work. She
has avoided all of the quackery, self-exploitation and money schemes,
which have proved a temptation to many in the work, and which have tended
to brand the science as an advertising scheme, and confined herself to
study, teaching and the legitimate development of the science. Her work in
the Normal and in giving lectures on Domestic Science brings her in touch
with large numbers of intelligent and practical women who realize that
housekeeping and cookery must be reduced to a science. Luxuries of fifty
years ago are necessities today. The increase in the cost of living
without a corresponding advance in wages has made it imperative that
method and system he installed in the home.
Beginning on Page
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 1
Mother's Diagnosis 1
Respiratory Diseases 6
Animal Parasites, Diseases Caused by 44
Skin, Diseases of 52
Digestive Organs, Diseases of 97
Kidney and Bladder, Diseases of 152
Infectious Diseases 166
Blood and Ductless Glands, Diseases of 249
Nervous System, Diseases of 261
Constitutional Diseases 314
Circulatory System, Diseases of 337
Eye and Ear, Diseases of 346
Deformities 369
Intoxicants and Sunstrokes 371
Accidents, Emergencies and Poisons 376
Herb Department 408
Homeopathy 448
Patent Medicines and Secret Formula, 465
Woman's Department
Diseases of Women 489
Obstetrics or Midwifery 515
All About Baby 544
Nursing Department 623
Schools of Medicine, Leading 669
Operations 662
Hot Springs of Arkansas 666
Common Household Articles, Medical Uses of 668
Mothers' Remedies, Unclassified 674
INDEX
Medical 909
Manners and Social Customs 944
Miscellaneous 946
"Of the things which man can do or make here below, by far the most
momentous, wonderful, and worthy, are the things we call Books."
--CARLYLE.
"A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the most patient and
cheerful of companions. It does not turn its back upon us in times of
adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness."
--S. SMILES.
Of making books there seems no end. Some are good, some bad, and many just
an encumbrance upon the book-shelves, neither of much use nor particularly
harmful. Some books are to be read for cheer and amusement; some for
reproof and correction; others to be studied for useful information and
profit.
There is a wide felt need for a worthy book of sound hygienic and medical
facts for the non-medical people. The Ideal Book for this mission should
be compact in form, but large enough to give the salient facts, and give
these in understandable language; it must not be "loaded" with obsolete
and useless junk of odds and ends which have long ceased to be even
interesting; it must carry with it the stamp of genuine reliability; it
should treat all the ordinary and most common forms of ailments and
accidents; it must be safe in its teachings; it needs to be free from
objectionable language and illustrations, so that all of any family may
study and use it with profit; it must frequently warn of dangers ahead and
urge the summoning of professional skill promptly, for there are many
cases requiring the services of experienced physicians and surgeons in
their treatment; it should advise remedies readily obtainable, as well as
those for which long journeys to a drug store are required; and finally
the book should be reasonable in price that those who most need it can
afford to own it.
Need of Brevity.
The facts of hygiene and therapeutic measures are widely scattered through
medical literature, and extend over hundreds of years of time. Many
volumes have been written on diseases of the eye, the heart, liver, and
stomach, brain and other organs, to understand which requires special
technical education. It would be the height of folly to present these
discussions to the laity in their original form, hence the necessity for
condensation and presentation of the needful facts in the language of the
people in whose interests the book is printed. In a book of fiction there
may be need for useless verbiage for the sake of "making pages," but facts
of vital importance and usefulness in our daily welfare need to be well
boiled down and put into shape for ready reference. This has been done in
"Mothers' Remedies" and I think it quite fulfills the ideal I have
outlined above.
The title is rather odd upon first seeing it, but the most plausible when
you become acquainted with its import. It surely becomes the best friend
of the whole family. "It does not turn its back upon us in times of
adversity," but cheerfully answers a thousand and one questions of vital
importance to the household. In the hour of distress, when illness or
accident befalls the dear ones, you may turn again and again to its pages
without meeting disappointment.
The real value of any book, or what is sometimes called its intrinsic
value, or utility, consists in what it avails to gratify some desire or
want of our nature. It depends, then, wholly upon its qualities in
relation to our desires. That which contributes in ever so small degree to
the wellbeing of humanity is of greater value than silver or gold. This
book contains hundreds of prescriptions, anyone of which will repay the
small cost in money that it requires to possess it. In fact, the financial
investment is so small when compared with the benefit derived from its
pages that this feature need not be considered.
Examples.
In the stillness and loneliness of the night, away from medical help,
there comes the hoarse barking cough of the child, perhaps, and a case of
croup is upon the responsibility of the parents. The struggles and terror
of the little patient throws the household into consternation, and all is
excitement in a moment. If the mother ever knew what to do in such a case
she is likely not able to recall the exact remedy at this time, the doctor
is miles away, and the case is urgent.
This is only one example of the use of this book. There are innumerable
times when cases come up in the home, or accidents befall a dear one and a
ready remedy is required; the book most likely contains it, and is willing
to tell you if you consult it carefully.
Tuberculosis.
The Woman's Department, and the chapter on "All About Baby," alone contain
priceless information for the guidance of the women of the home. It is
like having a good doctor right in the house who is ready and able to
answer more than 500 questions of vital interest about Baby. The book is
thoroughly reliable, free from exaggerated statements and written in the
plainest language possible so as to make it useful to every member of the
home. The Herb Department gives a brief description of the more common and
most useful plants and roots, with the time for gathering them, and the
dose and therapeutic indication for their use. The botanical illustrations
are correct and worthy of careful study.
THE INDEX.
This feature of the book cannot be too strongly impressed. Its value
becomes apparent as soon as one consults its pages. Long chapters of
descriptive reading filled with high sounding, technical terms may look
very learned because the average reader does not understand it fully. But
it is what one can obtain from a book that is usable that makes it
valuable. In Mothers' Remedies this idea has been excellently carried out.
If there was any question regarding the success of the book in this
homelike arrangement, the utilization of the home remedies, in addition to
the strictly medical and drug-store ingredients; it was promptly dispelled
when the book was printed and presented to the people interested. It has
proved to be the most wonderful seller on the market--the most usable and
useful book ever offered the non-medical reader; because never before has
a medical book contained the hundreds of simple home remedies from
mothers. Because a physician tells you why the remedies are useful--the
reason why the things used are efficacious.
Frequently one comes across technical terms in the secular papers which,
unless understood, obscure the sense of the reading. There is a dictionary
of medical terms as a separate department which adds much to the
usefulness of the work; the spelling, pronunciation and definition being
concisely given in English.
Other Departments.
In addition, the book gives under each disease the physician's remedies,
the symptoms, causes, preventives wherever important, the diet, nursing,
necessity for operations, and much other needful information for the
sick-room. A complete chapter on Nursing and a detailed account of the
Baby and its care is perhaps the most useful portion of the book to the
mothers who desire to learn all about the baby. Many home medical books
are of doubtful value by reason of exaggerated statements or vague and
unusable directions regarding treatments. Mothers' Remedies stands
squarely upon the foundation of utility and practical every-day
usefulness. No matter how many other home medical books one may have, this
is also needful because there's none other on the market like it. One of
the missions of Mothers' Remedies in the home is the prevention of disease
through its sound sanitary teachings. It was written exclusively for home
use, and its instructions can be followed by anyone who can understand
plain English, and the home remedies are extensively explained and
recommended so that in emergencies one can always find something of value
to use while awaiting the surgeon's arrival. It is a well-spring of
usefulness in any home, and it gives me genuine pleasure to call attention
to it in these few lines, and to bespeak for it the continued enthusiastic
reception with which it has met heretofore.
The National Narcotic law makes it practically impossible for the laity to
have prescriptions filled which contain opiates or cocaine.
DR. W. E. ZIEGENFUSS.
August, 1918.
MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS
[2 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS]
[3 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS]
IRITIS.--Pain is severe and worse at night, the iris looks cloudy, muddy,
the pupil is small. There is congestion around the iris (ciliary
congestion).
KIDNEY STONES.--Pain goes from the kidneys down through the ureter into
the bladder and into the scrotum. There may be sand in the urine that
makes it look like blood.
[4 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS]
MUMPS.--The swelling is in front and below and behind the ear. Hard to eat
and the swallowing of vinegar is almost impossible.
[5 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS]
ULCER OF THE CORNEA.--Light hurts the eyes very much, tears run freely and
there is a feeling of something in the eye. The eyeball shows a rim of
pink congestion about the cornea. The ulcer can be seen.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 7]
The mucous membrane lining the nasal passages is similar to other mucous
membranes. It is here called the Schneiderian membrane after the name of a
German anatomist named Schneider. It is continuous through the ducts with
the mucous membrane of all the various accessory cavities of the nose. It
is quite thin, in the upper part over the superior turbinate bone and
partition (septum) while it is quite thick over the lower turbinate bone,
the floor of the nose cavity and the lower part of the partition. It is
well supplied with blood vessels, veins, and glands for producing the
necessary secretion.
[8 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
In order to be in good health it is necessary to breath through the nose,
and to do this there must be nothing in the nose or upper part of the
pharynx to interfere with the free circulation of the air through these
cavities. The cavities of the nose may be partly closed by polpi (tumors)
on the upper and middle turbinate bone, a spur on the (septum) partition,
deviation of the partition or enlarged turbinate bones, or adenoids in the
upper part of the pharynx. These troubles almost close up the nose
sometimes and the person is compelled to breathe through his mouth. He not
only looks foolish, talks thick, but is laying up for himself future
trouble. By correcting the trouble in the nose and removing the adenoids
in the upper part of the pharynx the patient can breathe through the nasal
passages. If you take a tube you can pass it straight back through the
lower channel (meatus) into the pharynx. It will touch the upper back wall
of the pharynx. If the tube has a downward bend you can see it behind the
soft palate and by attaching a string to that end you can draw it back out
through the nostrils. In that way we plug the posterior openings (nares).
The upper part of the pharynx reaches higher up behind than a line drawn
horizontally above the tip of the nose to the pharynx. It reaches forward
above the soft palate on its front surface. Its front surface is almost
directly on a vertical line with tonsil, above the soft palate. On its
upper part and on the side near the nose cavity is the opening of the
eustachian tube.
The name naso-pharynx means the junction of the nose and pharynx.
Sometimes the upper posterior wall of the pharynx, called the vault of the
pharynx, especially the part behind each eustachian tube, is filled almost
full with adenoids. These are overgrowths or thickenings of the glandular
tissue in the upper posterior wall of the pharynx (vault of the pharynx).
They are a soft pliable mass, well supplied with blood vessels, especially
in children. Some are firmer and these are the kind seen in adults. The
color varies from pale pink to dark red. The structure is similar to
enlarged tonsils.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 9]
[Illustration: Adenoids]
Children with adenoids are very liable to colds in the head, which
aggravate all the symptoms, and in the slighter forms of the disease the
symptoms may hardly be noticeable, except when the child is suffering from
a cold.
Although adenoids, like the normal tonsil, usually tend to diminish and
disappear with the approach of youth, they constitute during childhood a
constant source of danger and trouble and not infrequently inflict
permanent mischief. Also children afflicted with adenoids are less able to
cope with diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, whooping-cough, etc.
4. Colds, Quinine and Ginger for.--"Give plenty of quinine and drink hot
water with ginger in it." Quinine, as we all know, is an old remedy for
colds and therefore we all know how it acts. The ginger warms up the
system and produces sweating. Care should be taken when using this remedy
not to take cold, as the pores are all opened by the quinine.
7. Colds, Rock Candy Syrup for.--"Ten cents worth of rock candy; one pint
of whisky; one pint of water; fifteen cents worth of glycerine; mix all
together; this will syrup itself." Take one teaspoonful as often as
necessary. This is excellent.
9. Colds, Lemons and Mustard for.--"A hot lemonade taken on going to bed
and put the feet in a hot mustard bath; taken in time will break up a
cold." The idea of the foot bath is to equalize the circulation, as so
many of our colds begin in the head and by drawing the blood from the head
the congested parts of the head are relieved.
10. Colds and Cough, Hops or Catnip Poultice for.--"Hops or catnip put in
little bags and steamed until hot, then placed on lungs and throat." This
is a very good remedy, as the hot bags act as a poultice and draw the
congestion from the diseased parts. It produces not only local, but
general perspiration.
11. Colds, Honey for.--"Eat honey. I have tried this many times and it is
very good." The honey is very soothing, but if a little hoarhound or lemon
is added it would make it much more effective. This is a good remedy for
children, as they most all like honey.
12. Colds, to Break Up at the Outset.--"To break up a cold soak the feet
in hot water and drink all the cold water you can." This has been known to
cure many severe colds if taken at the beginning.
13. Cold in the Chest, Mutton Tallow and Red Pepper for.--"If cold is in
the chest, render enough mutton tallow for one cupful and add one
teaspoonful of red pepper and rub on chest and apply a flannel to keep out
the cold. This is an old-time remedy and a good one."
14. Colds, Lard and Turpentine for.--"Melt a half cupful of lard and add
one and one-half teaspoonfuls of turpentine, rub on chest and apply
flannel cloth."
1. Camphor and Vaseline Mixed, or Camphor and Cream, rubbed in the nose is
good to stop the cold and soreness.
Menthol 6 grains
Chloroform 5 drops
Camphor 5 grains
Liquid Alboline 2 ounces
Mix and make into a solution. Use in an atomizer, every two hours.
To cleanse the nostrils wash out each nostril gently with a solution made
of one teaspoonful of listerine, or glyco-thymoline, or borolyptol, or
one-quarter teaspoonful of common salt in a half glass of warm water.
You can use a vaporizer and this solution:
Menthol 5 grains
Camphor 5 grains
Compound tincture benzoin 1 dram
Liquid Alboline 1 ounce
Never snuff a solution into the nose, and do not blow the nose hard after
using. Some of the solution or nasal discharge may be forced into the
eustachian tube.
5. Lard or camphorated oil rubbed on the nose and throat twice a day is
good.
Mix and rub on the throat at night and put on flannel until morning. This
will relieve the loss of voice very promptly.
7. Put a quart of boiling water in a pitcher; add from two to four drams
of the compound tincture of benzoin and inhale the hot vapor. Wrap both
head and pitcher in a towel. This is very good for sore throat also.
Menthol 30 grains
Eucalyptol 30 drops
Carbolic acid 2 drams
Rectified spirits of wine 1 dram
Mix thoroughly; a teaspoonful to be put into a pint (or less) of hot water
and the steam to be inhaled through the nose for four or five minutes.
This is useful in acute colds, especially in the later stages, and in
chronic catarrh, etc.
10. When the stage is rather marked or prolonged spray or syringe out the
nose with tepid solution once or twice a day using the following:
Menthol 10 grains
Camphor Gum 10 grains
Chloroform 10 drops
Fluid Alboline 8 ounces
6. Catarrh, Milk and Salt Wash for.--"Mix together one teaspoonful common
salt, a teacupful milk, and half pint of warm water. Inject this into the
nostrils three times a day. You may use the same quantity of borax in
place of the salt, if you choose to do so."
Menthol 5 grains
Camphor 5 grains
Liquid Alboline 2 ounces
First take a long breath and while holding the breath, puff some of the
powder into each nostril; then gently puff the breath out through each
nostril. Do not snuff powder up the nose or use the powder-blower while
breathing. If this is done, some will get into the pharynx and larynx and
cause annoying coughing.
3. Solution for.--
4. Spray, for.--
Use as a spray.
OZENA.--(Foul odor from nose, not breath, due to catarrh of the nose). The
membrane is dry and shrunken. It is a very offensive odor, thus called
"ozena."
1. Lysol 10 drops
Oil of Pine 15 drops
Liquid Alboline 2 ounces
Mix and make a solution, spray into the nose after douching.
Iodol 5 grains
Boric Acid 10 grains
Cold cream 2 ounces
Mix and make into an ointment, and rub a little into each nostril before
retiring.
3. Dr. Ferguson of New York uses the following: A new antiseptic enzymol.
This is used as follows.--Use one part of enzymol, three parts of warm
water. Rub and cleanse the nose thoroughly with the solution, saturate a
piece of absorbent cotton with this solution, place it in the nostril and
leave it there fifteen to twenty minutes.
HAY FEVER. (Rose Cold, June Cold or Hay Asthma).--This inflammation of the
nose occurs in August and September. It is really a nervous affection of
the nose membrane.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Hay fever, Quick Relief from.--"For hay fever and
other slight forms of diseases which produce sneezing, there is no remedy
more quickly effective, and often curative, than a vapor of heated salt
and alcohol. Heat it very hot and breathe the vapor for ten minutes at a
time, four or five times a day."
2. Hay fever, Remedy Worth Trying for.--"A mixture composed of ten grains
of sulphate of zinc, half teaspoonful of borax, and about four ounces of
rose water. This is very good to inject into the nostrils if there is much
irritation of eyes and nostrils."
3. Hay fever, Our Canadian Remedy for.--"Inhale smoke from ground coffee
(sprinkle over coals). This relieved a case for me of five years
standing."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hay Fever.--1. The following gives relief from
the distressing symptoms. (But first the nose should be examined, for
often there is local trouble there.). Then give suprarenal extract
tablets, each five grains. Take one every four or five hours.
2. Pill Blennostasin.--Each pill contains five grains. Take one every four
hours.
Dionin 10 grains
Adrenalin (1 to 1000) 5 drams
Water 2 ounces
Mix solution and spray into the nose every two hours.
4. After using the above spray which will shrink the mucous membrane apply
the following oil spray:--
Thymol 5 grains
Menthol 5 grains
Camphor 5 grains
Liquid Alboline 1 ounce
Mix and make a solution and spray into the nose three or four times a day.
7. Another from Dr. Ball.--A one to five per cent solution of menthol in
liquid paraffin may be painted or sprayed on the mucous membrane, or a
little cotton-wool soaked in an oily solution may be inserted in the
nostrils. We must confess our weakness as physicians, when we treat this
disease. There are local measures, such as give relief for the time being,
but they must be carefully used. Diseases of the nose, tumors or "spurs"
frequently cause in the first place; bad tonsils, and adenoids are likely
to aggravate the trouble. A change of climate is the only real help. Tone
the general health. If the patient is very nervous fifteen grains of
bromide of sodium three or four time a day gives relief. People subjected
to hay fever should be treated between the attacks to make them strong and
to remove any local nose trouble and just before the time of year arrives
for the attack it is well to take five grains three times a day of the
suprarenal tablets or blennostasin the same way, and also spray the nose
twice daily with a mild adrenalin solution as the following:-
Adrenalin (1 to 1000) 1 dram
Water 2 ounces
Change of climate is frequently quite beneficial. Some are relieved in the
dry mountain air, while others are more benefited by the seashore or an
ocean trip.
How to plug the nostrils; (front or anterior nares).--Do this with narrow
strips of sterilized gauze, by placing the first piece as far back as
possible, then with a narrow pair of forceps pushing in a little at a time
until the nostril is filled. The gauze should be only one-half inch wide.
If the bleeding still continues the posterior opening (nares) should be
plugged. This can be known by seeing the blood flowing down the throat
(pharynx).
How this is done? Pass a soft rubber catheter, along the floor (bottom) of
the nose until its end is seen passing down behind the soft palate into
the throat. Grasp this with a pair of forceps and pull it forward into the
mouth. Tie a stout string to the end of the catheter (about 1-1/2 feet
long) and tie the other end of the string around the centre of a plug of
lint or gauze, 1-1/2 inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide. Then
pull the catheter back through the nostril, very gently. This will pull
the plug into the posterior opening of the nose, and plug it. . Hold this
same end firmly and with a pair of forceps fill the anterior nostril with
strips (1/2 inch wide) of gauze, pushing them back to the posterior plug.
The end of the string in the mouth may be fastened to a tooth or to the
side of the cheek (if long enough) with a piece of adhesive plaster. The
plug should not be left in position more than forty-eight hours, and it
should be thoroughly softened with oil or vaselin before it is removed.
Remove the anterior part first, gently and carefully and then with cocaine
(if necessary) and more oil, the posterior plug is softened and removed by
pulling the end of the string which is in the mouth gently and slowly.
Prevention of chronic kind.--Ascertain the cause and remove it. Too hot
food or too much spiced food cause the chronic kind. Rest the voice.
Remove any existing catarrh.
Prevention of acute kind.--Avoid undue exposure to cold and wet, wear warm
comfortable flannel underwear. Bath the neck and chest daily with cold
water. This is good cold preventive. The wearing of handkerchiefs,
mufflers, around the neck is injurious unless you are driving. Accustom
your neck to the cold from the beginning in the fall and winter months.
Wearing a full beard is said to be a good preventive.
This is a very effective remedy, but you must watch the throat very
carefully as this will blister quickly. After removing the liniment,
grease the parts with oil or cold cream.
"Soda 1 teaspoonful
Salt 1 teaspoonful
Borax 1 teaspoonful
Mix the above ingredients together and apply to the outside of the throat.
This causes the skin to become red thus drawing the inflammation out of
the throat and relieving the trouble.
5. Sore Throat, Cold Packs, Sure Cure for.--"Put cold packs on the throat.
Remarks: Was in Washington once and my little girl had a very sore throat.
I put cold packs on the throat the first half of the night and the next
day she was out seeing the sights as well as ever." Gargle with very hot
water and a little soda. This makes it very effective.
Mix with one cup warm lard, apply warm to the throat."
Use as a gargle. External applications, wring a cloth out of salt and cold
water and keep it quite wet, bind tightly about the neck and cover with a
dry cloth. It is best to use this at night."
9. Mild Sore Throat, Vinegar Gargle for.--"Gargle with vinegar and hot
water. This will help to sooth the irritation and in a mild sore throat is
a sure cure."
10. Sore Throat, Alum and Vinegar for.--"One glass of warm water; one
tablespoonful of vinegar; one teaspoonful of sugar; one-half teaspoonful
of alum; dissolve well and gargle throat several times daily."
12. Sore Throat and Cough, Remedy always at hand.--"Equal parts of alcohol
and glycerin make a good gargle, or use three tablespoonfuls of vinegar
and one of salt to a tumbler of water. Or simply hot water and salt when
nothing else is to be had. The hot water alone is very good."
13. Tickling in Throat, Simple Remedy for.--"Take bread crumbs and swallow
them."
2. Sulphur and Cream for.--Mix some sulphur with cream and put some of it
on the sore membrane.
Later on, warm gargles and steam inhalation are more grateful. If there is
great pain in swallowing, cocaine painted on the throat or sucking a
cocaine lozenge before taking food will be found very useful.
2. When the attack is mild medicine may not be needed. When there is fever
and the throat is real sore, you can use one drop doses of tincture of
aconite every hour. This will frequently check it.
5. Other gargles.--
Menthol 3 to 5 grains
Camphor 2 to 4 grains
Liquid paraffine 1 ounce
8. Snuff.-
When using the Menthol preparation do not use the preparation very hot.
2. Hoarseness, Egg and Lemon for.--"Beaten white of one egg, juice of one
lemon, with sugar enough to thicken, then add one teaspoonful olive oil."
Take one teaspoonful every hour until relieved.
5. Hoarseness, Lemon and Sugar for Children.--"Take the juice of one lemon
and saturate with sugar, take a teaspoonful several times a day. It is
sure to give relief. This is very pleasant to give to children, as they
most all like it."
2. An ice bag on the throat or cold water cloths to the front of the
throat often give relief.
3. Tincture of Aconite.--This is given in the beginning when there is
fever. The dose depends upon the age, and the amount of fever. You can
give it to a child by putting one drop of aconite in twelve teaspoonfuls
of water and then give one teaspoonful every one to three hours according
to the case. For an adult you can put ten drops of aconite in ten
teaspoonfuls of water and give one teaspoonful every hour or two.
5. Full dose of five grains of Dover's powders at night for the irritating
cough.
6. For a cough, for a child one year old you can give one-half
teaspoonful, every two hours, of the following:--
The above ingredients are all excellent for sore throat and it is an old
tried remedy and can easily be obtained. If it is too strong dilute with
warm water to the desired strength.
Menthol 10 grains
Oil of pine 1 dram
Tincture of benzion 1 dram
Liquid alboline 2 ounces
Diet in Laryngitis.--Hard and dry toasts should be avoided, for they give
pain on being swallowed, same reason applies to highly seasoned foods.
Milk, custards, eggs, scraped beef may be taken. Difficulty in swallowing
may be overcome by allowing the patient to lie flat on the bed, etc., with
his face over the edge. Food can be sucked through the tube from a vessel
placed below; or the patient can lean forward while eating.
Symptoms.--It may come in the night or day; or when the child awakes. The
breathing is arrested, the child struggles for breath, the face is
flushed, and then with a sudden relaxation of the spasm, the air is drawn
into the lungs with a high pitched crowing sound. Convulsions may occur.
Death rarely occurs. There may be many attacks during the day.
Cold Sponging.--In severe cases, the child should be placed in a warm bath
tub and the back and chest thoroughly sponged for a minute or two with
cold water. This plan may be used even when a child is in a paroxysm,
though the attack is severe and the child looks blue, it is much better
than to dash cold water in the face. Sometimes the attack can be stopped
by introducing the finger far back into the throat.
2. Croup, Sure Cure for.--"Give child anything that will make it vomit,
soak feet in hot water, apply onion drafts to bottom of feet, roast onions
and put on the chest, keep warm. My mother has cured me at least one
hundred times with the above remedy. She generally gave me pig's foot oil,
or oil from the feet of a chicken, sometimes melted lard. Croup has to be
attended to at once or it is fatal with the child." This is a very good
remedy.
6. Croup, Coal Oil (kerosene) and Sugar for.--"Coal oil and sugar; put a
few drops on a teaspoonful of sugar." The coal oil produces vomiting,
relieving the trouble. If the first dose does not have this effect upon
the child, repeat it.
7. Croup, Pork and Onion Poultice for.--"Put pork and onions on the
throat. Drink plenty of hot water." Bind the pork and onions on the
throat, acting as a poultice. The virtue of this can be increased by
cooking the onions and pork together. Onion syrup may be given internally
to produce vomiting, even in very small babies.
11. Croup, Vaselin for.--"Vaselin rubbed on the chest, cover with a hot
flannel, and take 1/4 teaspoonful of vaselin internally occasionally."
Dissolve vaselin and repeat dose if necessary to produce vomiting.
12. Croup, Ice Application for.--"Ice applied to the throat is almost
instant relief." It is best to break the ice up fine and sprinkle salt on
same, putting it in a cheese cloth bag, binding on the throat with a
flannel, and change as soon as it shows signs of wetting.
13. Croup, Salt for.--"Parched salt put on the throat hot." The parched
salt acts the same as mustard plaster, by producing a redness on the
throat. Salt is something that we can always have on hand and by using
this remedy we are always prepared for an emergency in case of croup.
14. Croup, Castor Oil Breaks up.--"Castor oil, given before bedtime, is
good. Dose.--From one-half to one teaspoonful. I have taken this when I
was small." Castor oil is good when the bowels are constipated or the
stomach is full.
15. Croup, Coal Oil, Turpentine and Snuff, a Canadian Remedy for.--"A
little coal oil and a few drops of turpentine soaked up by snuff, and used
as plaster. Makes the child sneeze after a few minutes. The poultice
loosens the phlegm and the sneezing throws it off."
Mix, and give one teaspoonful every half hour until the child vomits, then
repeat the dose every two hours as needed.
2. Place the child in a hot bath, wrap hot or cold cloths about the throat
and put one teaspoonful of common soda in a glass of water and give one
teaspoonful every fifteen minutes until relieved.
3. Dr. Holt of New York, says.--The room should be very warm, hot cloths
or poultices should be applied over the throat (Adam's apple and below)
and either a croup kettle or ordinary teakettle kept boiling in the room.
This is more efficacious if the child is placed in a tent made by a raised
umbrella or some like method with a sheet thrown over it, and the steam
introduced beneath the tent. If the symptoms' are urgent ten drops of the
syrup of ipecac should be given every fifteen minutes until free vomiting
occurs.
Whenever the symptoms reach a point where the breathing becomes difficult,
a doctor should be summoned without delay. It might be some other disease.
Causes.--Youth and old age are more predisposed to it. Lack of fresh air
and exercise, dusty work, poor general health, dampness and changeable
weather in winter and early spring. It may be secondary to cold,
pharyngitis, measles, typhoid fever, malaria, asthma, and heart disease.
"Boil and simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the
strength out of the ingredients, strain, add three cups sugar, then add
enough good whisky to keep from souring, say a half pint." This
combination is not only good for bronchitis, but for the cough left from
the effects of bronchitis. The hoarhound, wild cherry bark and licorice
root have a very soothing effect on the bronchial tubes, and the hops
quiets the nervous system. This is also good for a common cough.
Place the above in some suitable pan or dish for such purpose in a gallon
of cold water, and put it on the back of the stove, so that it will simmer
slowly until reduced to one-half gallon, which may require one day or
more, then strain and place in a bottle, or bottles. Dose.--One
wineglassful three times a day. Add a little sugar if desired." This is a
very fine cough remedy, as the hoarhound loosens the cough, the flax seed
soothes the membrane, and the boneset by its general action on the system
produces sweating. The Irish moss is a sort of food for the whole system
and helps to build a person up.
This is a very good remedy, as the cod liver oil by its general action
tones up the whole system. The ginger tones and stimulates the stomach and
takes away the sickening effect of the cod liver oil.
4. Rub the chest with a camphor liniment and give the following:
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. Causes.--People over middle age are more liable to it.
It comes chiefly in winter, in changeable, cold and damp climates. It may
follow repeated acute attacks.
Symptoms.--These are variable and are present chiefly in winter and damp
weather. The cough is worse at night, and in the morning, expectoration is
usually great. There may be slight fever at times. Often the patients are
entirely free from the trouble during the summer.
1. First you can take three grains of ammonium chloride three to four
times a day.
2. Cough, Honey and Vinegar for.--"Honey and vinegar." This is an old and
tried remedy and a good one. The vinegar cuts the phlegm in the throat and
bronchial tubes, and the honey is very soothing.
This is a very good syrup, and is especially good for chronic cough or
chronic bronchitis. Dose.--One teaspoonful every three hours.
5. Cough, Mullein Leaf Tea for--"Mullein leaves steeped with loaf sugar
cures a cough." Take four ounces of mullein leaves and boil for ten
minutes in water: then add the loaf sugar. This is very soothing to the
sore parts and also helps to loosen up the secretion so it can be raised
easily.
6. Cough, Lemon Juice and Sugar for.--"Lemon juice and sugar is a good
remedy for coughs." It is surprising to see how quickly the lemon juice
will cut the phlegm in throat, and sugar is always good for cold.
Boil or simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the
strength out of the ingredients; strain, add three cups sugar. Add enough
good whiskey to keep from souring, say one-half pint. This will cure a
stubborn cough."
"Allow the mixture to stand one to four hours in a warm place. Then add a
little lemon juice and sugar and place one to two teaspoonfuls of gum
arabic in the pitcher containing the mixture." A little paregoric (ten
drops to the dose for adults) can be taken with it if the cough is very
bad. Dose.--Drink freely every two to three hours.
6. Onion syrup is good for children. The bowels should always be kept
open.
3. Tartar Emetic in one-hundredth grain, two given every half hour until
there is a little sickening is a very good remedy. These can be bought at
a drug store or from a homeopathic doctor or pharmacist.
2. Bleeding from the Lungs. Herb Tea for.--"Two ounces each of bistory
root, tormentil root, oak bark, and comfrey root, boil in three quarts of
water down to one pint, strain and add one tablespoonful of ground ginger.
Give a wine glass full every half hour until relieved. Place the feet in
hot mustard water, keep the bowels open with a little senna and ginger tea
and if necessary give a vapor bath,"
"Tannin 30 grains
Powdered Sugar 1 dram
Mix. Make ten powders and give one every ten minutes until relieved."
Either one of the above remedies is excellent for this trouble, as the
tannin and rosin contract the arteries and acts as an astringent.
1. First Thing to Do.--Eating ice, and using ice drinks are useful
measures. The drinking of a little salt water at a time with one
tablespoonful of salt in a glassful of water is good. In most cases more
can be done by assuring the patient he will not die and keeping him quiet
and at rest. Medicines should be given to satisfy the patient and family.
The most cases stop of themselves.
5. Hot Water and Salt for.--A teaspoonful of salt in a pint of hot water
is good also, used as a spray, or to inhale. But the patient must lie
down.
6. Other Easily Obtained Remedies.--Ergot in dose of one-half to one
teaspoonful is very good; this contracts the vessels. Bromide of potash in
a dose of five to fifteen grains; or chloral hydrate in dose of five to
seven grains, if there is not heart trouble. If there is, chloral hydrate
cannot be used. These quiet the nervous system and do much good. Strong
hop tea will do the same thing if taken freely. Witch-hazel water thirty
drops at a dose is good.
Causes.--Most common under two years and in old people. Taking cold,
whooping cough and measles.
Children should be given ample room and not hampered by extra clothing, as
they like change of position, to get relief. The hot bath must be used
often to redden the skin and relieve the pressure on the lungs, till they
can be given relief. If you wish to use a poultice the following is a nice
way to make it. Take a piece of muslin or linen, or cheese-cloth, wide
enough when doubled to reach from the lower margin of the ribs to well up
under the arm pits, and long enough to go a little more than around the
chest, open the double fold and spread the hot mass of poultice on
one-half of the cloth and fold the other over it. It should be applied as
hot as it can be comfortably borne and covered with oil silk or paraffin
paper, so as to the longer retain the heat and moisture. The poultice
should be renewed as often as it gets cold, and a fresh poultice should be
all ready to put on when the old one is taken off. Place the end of the
poultice uppermost, so that the contents will not fall out.
Diet.--Milk, broth and egg albumen and plenty of water to drink. (See
laryngitis for diet.)
Diet and Nursing--The patient should be kept quiet and in the easiest
position.
Milk diet is the best to use. There should not be much liquid diet, except
milk. The milk may be diluted with lime water if necessary. Malted milk,
Mellin's food, imperial granum, can be used when the milk cannot be taken.
4. Camphorated Oil for.--Rub the side with camphorated oil and cover over
with a cotton jacket. This is good unless it makes the patient too warm.
5. Adhesive Plaster Zinc Oxide.--Use a roll two or two and one-half inches
wide. Commence at the backbone and cross directly over the ribs to the
further side of the breastbone. The first strip should be at the lower
part of the chest. In putting on the succeeding strips make them lap
one-half inch over the next lower. Bandage almost up to the arm-pit. It
may take eight strips for an adult. After you have the strips on, place a
piece at each end, part on the flesh and part on the plasters, to keep
them from giving any. The patient should have his arms over his head when
you are putting on the strips. This strapping will hold that side of the
chest quieter. The breathing will be less full and consequently less
motion and pain.
2. Night Sweats, Cold Sage for.--"Drink cold sage tea, before retiring."
This cold sage tea is only to be used when the patient has a fever and
needs a cold drink. In case of this kind it would be effective.
2. Round and Pin Worms, Tansy remedy for.--"Tansy leaves may be crushed
and put in whisky or dried and crushed with sugar. This is the best
vermifuge I ever used." A tea made of tansy leaves must be used carefully
as it is strong and never given to pregnant women.
3. Round and Pin Worms, Peach Leaf Tea for.--"Half an ounce of dried peach
leaves may be infused in a pint of boiling water and a tablespoonful given
for a dose three times a day." They are laxative and exert a sedative
influence over the nervous system. They have been frequently used for
worms with reported success. An infusion is highly recommended in
irritability of the bladder, in sick stomach and in whooping cough.
Give four a day for two days, then miss two days, then give again for two
days and stop. Salts can be given after this. I then follow this treatment
by giving one drop doses of tincture of cina (Homeopathic preparation)
four times a day for one or two weeks. Before giving any of these remedies
it is well to move the bowels freely and also after the medicine has been
stopped.
Santonin 12 grains
Calomel 3 grains
Divide into six powders, and give one night and morning while fasting.
Mix and make into an infusion (tea). Dose for a child, one or two
teaspoonfuls. For an adult, one or two wineglassfuls.
2. Pin worms, Pink Root for.--"Take one ounce pink root, and one pint of
water. Make a decoction of this by boiling the above to half a pint. Give
a teaspoonful three times a day for two days, following this up by a good
dose of castor oil or cream of tartar to thoroughly cleanse the system."
3. Pin worms, Quassia chips for.--"I knew of a child who had not slept
three hours a night for several months, and several doctors had been
called and none of them seemed to get down to the real trouble. Finally
the mother tried an injection made by steeping quassia chips for two or
three hours slowly, then straining it and injecting about one pint (luke
warm) once a day. This gave the child immediate relief and improvement
could be seen within a week."
Soak over night and inject slowly all the bowels will hold. Repeat once
each week till all are removed.
4. Dr. Tooker gives another method which is often successful. Anoint the
anus for several nights in succession with sweet oil, using the little
finger to insert the oil as far into the rectum as the fingers will reach.
5. Another Remedy. Inject cod-liver oil (pure) into the bowel or make into
an emulsion with the yolk of an egg and then inject.
One teaspoonful three times a day one hour before meals to a child ten
years old. If it physics to much give less often. Good for both kinds of
worms.
Symptoms.--These worms (parasites) are found at all ages. They are not
uncommon in children, and may be found in nursing children. They may cause
excessive appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain or
sometimes anemia. The knowledge of the presence of this worm may cause
great nervousness or depression. The presence of the segment in the stools
proves their presence in the bowels.
Two doses of this mixture hardly ever fails to bring the worm. Give oil
and turpentine two hours after the last dose." Of the oil and turpentine
an average dose would be a half ounce of castor oil and fifteen drops of
turpentine.
3. Tape Worm, Ontario Mother's Remedy for.--"Don't eat until very hungry
(extremely so), then eat one-half pint of pumpkin seeds. This is good and
will remove the worm every time." This remedy is different from the above
in that you eat the seeds instead of making a tea.
"Turpentine 15 drops
Castor Oil 1 teaspoonful
Milk 1 teacupful
Mix and for adult take at one dose. If not successful repeat the next day.
For child under ten years, one-half the quantity."
1. For two days prior to the administration of the remedies the patient
should take a very light, diet and have the bowels moved by a saline
(salts) cathartic. As a rule the male fern acts promptly and well. The
etheral extract of male fern in two dram doses may be given; fast, and
follow in the course of a couple of hours by a brisk purgative; that is,
calomel followed by salts.
Fasting means this: Light diet for a day or two and a cathartic at night,
no supper except a glass of milk before the worm medicine is given. Then
at bed-time take two to three grains of calomel with ten grains of
bicarbonate of sodium; rochelle salts, one-half to one ounce, upon
awakening. As soon as the bowels have moved give oleorisin of aspidium,
one dram in capsules. A saline cathartic should be given one-half to one
hour later. Never give castor oil or any oil after this remedy, When
calomel is given it should be given about one hour after taking the worm
medicine and followed in one or one and one-half hours by a half to one
ounce of salts.
To an emulsion of the male fern (a dram of the ethereal extract) made with
acacia powders, two drops of croton oil are added. The patient should have
had a low diet on the previous day and have taken a dose of salts in the
evening.
The emulsion and infusion are mixed and taken at nine in the morning. If
the bowels do not move in two hours, salts should be taken.
When the flesh containing the trichinae is eaten by man or by any animal
in which the development can take place, the capsules are digested and the
trichinae are set free. They pass into the small intestine and about the
third day attain their full growth and become sexually mature. The young
produced by each female trichina have been estimated at several hundred.
The time from the eating of the flesh containing the muscle trichinae to
the development of the brood of embryos in the intestines (bowels) is from
seven to nine days. The female worm penetrates the intestinal wall and the
embryos are probably discharged into the lymph spaces, thence into the
venous system, and by the blood stream to the muscles, which constitutes
their seat of election. After a preliminary migration in the
inter-muscular connective tissue, they penetrate the primitive muscle-
fibres and in about two weeks develop into the full grown muscle form. In
this process interstitial inflammation of the muscle is excited, and
gradually an ovoid capsule develops about the parasite. Two, and
occasionally three or four, worms may be seen within a single capsule.
This process of encapsulation has been estimated to take about six weeks.
Within the muscles the parasites do not undergo further development.
Gradually the capsule becomes thicker and ultimately lime salts are
deposited within it. This change may take place in man within four or five
months. The trichinae may live within the muscles for an indefinite
period. They have been found alive and capable of developing as late as
twenty or twenty-five years after their entrance into the system. These
calcified capsules appear as white specks in the muscles. In many
instances however these worms are completely calcified. In the hog the
trichinae cause few if any symptoms. An animal, the muscles of which are
swarming with living trichinae, may be well nourished and healthy looking.
An important point also is the fact that in the hog the capsule does not
readily become calcified, so that the parasites are not visible as in the
human muscles.
In the course of a few days after eating the infected meat there are signs
of disturbance of the stomach and bowels, and pain in the abdomen, loss of
appetite, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea; and yet, these preliminary
symptoms do not always occur, for in some of the large epidemics cases
have been observed in which they have been absent. Pain in different parts
of the body, general debility and weakness have been noted in some of the
epidemics. In some instances the stomach and bowel disturbances have been
so marked from the outset that the attack resembled our cholera. The
invasion symptoms develop between the seventh and tenth day. Sometimes not
until the end of the second week, and they are marked by fever, a chill in
some cases and pain and swelling and tenderness along the muscles
involved. The migration of the parasites into the muscles excites a more
or less intense inflammation of these muscles, which is characterized by
pain on pressure and movement, and by swelling and tension of the muscles,
over which the skin may be swollen. The limbs are placed in some position
in which these muscles are more at rest. Difficulty in chewing and
swallowing is caused by the involvement of the muscles controlling these
acts. In severe cases the involvement of the diaphragm and intercostal
muscles may lead to difficult breathing (Dyspnoea) which sometimes proves
fatal. Watery swelling, a feature of great importance, may be seen early
in the face, particularly about the, eyes. Later it develops in the
extremities when the swelling and stiffness of the muscles are at their
height. Profuse sweats, tingling and itching of the skin and in some
instances hives (Urticaria) have been described.
There are emaciation and anemia. In the severe cases the appearance may be
like that in the third week of typhoid fever. In mild cases the fever and
muscular symptoms subside in ten to fourteen days, in others only after
two or three months. The mortality, from one to thirty per cent, seems to
depend upon the virulence and number of parasites.
The skin is divided into three layers. Beginning with the outer one and
naming inward, they are named as follows: The outer layer is called the
epidermis or cuticle (near or upon the skin). The second layer is called
the corium, derma cutis vera, or true skin. The third layer is called the
sub-cutaneous (under the skin) (fatty or connective) tissue. This last
layer contains the sweat glands, the lower end of the deep-seated hair
follicles, (little sacs containing the roots of the hair) and larger
branches of the lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, and serves in
general as a bed for the true skin to rest upon, and by which the true
skin is connected with the deeper parts, muscles, etc. The appendages of
the skin are the hair, nails, sebaceous and sweat-glands. The discharge
from the sweat-glands form a little or larger tumor. The contents of a wen
are from sebaceous glands--fat secretions--fat tumor. The following names
are frequently mentioned in the skin diseases:
Macule. (Spots, patches). Skin is altered in color, but the skin is not
raised or depressed; freckle, etc.
Tumors. These are soft or firm elevations of the skin, like a wen or hard
lump. They are always deep-seated.
Wheel. A round flat, white or pink elevation of the skin; such as hives,
mosquito bites, etc.
A vesicle, bleb, and pustule are hollow; macule, papule, and tubercle are
solid.
Scale. (Squama). This is a dry attached or unattached thin piece from the
skin as a result of disease of the skin.
Pigmentation. Discoloration.
Causes.--These skin glands are active at the time of puberty. The active
cause may be the stomach troubles, constipation, womb disorders, and poor
general nutrition.
Tincture of Nux Vomica is a good stomach and bowel tonic given in doses of
one to two drops before meals.
Calomel, one-half grain at night for a few nights, followed in the morning
by epsom salts or some mineral water like Abilena or Hunjadi is useful.
The following is a good combination by Dr. Schalek:
Diet.--See diet for dyspepsia and constipation. All fatty, greasy, rich
foods are prohibited.
Local Treatment.--If the skin is quite red and tender, mild soothing
applications should be used. Most cases require vigorous treatment. First
wash the parts with warm water and the best soap, rinse with hot water and
then dry carefully. Remove the black-heads by careful pressure of the
fingers, or with black-head extractor; the pimples and pustules should be
freely cut, to allow the matter to escape and all the matter taken out.
1. Soothing Ointment.--
Mix and shake well and apply freely so as to leave a film on the face.
(Dr. Schalek.)
5. Stimulating preparations.
"Vaselin 1 ounce
Quinine 1/2 ounce"
3. Baldness, Good Canadian Remedy for.--"Strong sage tea. Rub the scalp
frequently. I have used this with great success."
Dr. Schalek. 1.
Mix; shake bottle well; rub thoroughly into the scalp every morning.
Mix well. Part the hair in different places and rub ointment into the
scalp.
4. Ihle's Mixture.--
5. Bulkley's Lotion.--
6. Lassar's Ointment.--
Cause.--Occurs usually between the ages of ten and forty. It may be from a
parasite.
Symptoms.--They occur mostly on the hands and feet and are usually
sensitive.
5. Corns, Castile Soap an Effective Remedy for.--"Rub the corn night and
morning with castile soap, as often as possible shave it, being careful
not to cut deep enough to make it bleed." Be faithful in soaping it
thoroughly night and morning for several days until it disappears. This is
a very simple but effective remedy.
7. Corns, Castor Oil for.--"Apply castor oil; rub it thoroughly, then soak
feet. It will soften and remove corns."
8. Corns, Vinegar and Bread for.--"Take bread and soak in vinegar for
twenty-four hours, put a plaster on for three or four nights. If not cured
on first application, repeat."
Mix and paint on the corn for several days and after soaking corn scrape
it off with a sharp knife.
Both of these prescriptions are good, the first being stronger with
salicylic acid.
3. When the corns are soft with inflammation, wash and dry the foot and
apply a solution of nitrate of silver, sixty to one hundred and twenty
grains to the ounce of water, to every part every four or five days.
4. Carbuncle, Bread and Milk Poultice for.--"Keep warm bread and milk
poultice on until the core comes out, then put on salve or vaselin and
keep covered until all healed."
5. Carbuncle, the Common Scabious for.--"Take scabious, the green herb and
bruise it. Apply this to the affected part. This has been found a very
effectual remedy." The common field scabious have many hairy, soft,
whitish green leaves, some of which are very small and rough on the edges,
others have hairy green leaves deeply and finely divided and branched a
little. Flowers size of small walnut and composed of many little ones.
Sometimes called "Morning Bride," "Devil's Bit," etc.
Local.--This must be carefully used, find out first how sensitive the skin
is. Dr. Bulkley recommends this lotion:
Shake bottle, mix and apply to the part night and morning. If the skin
becomes too scaly, a mild soothing ointment should be substituted for the
above. White suggests the following:
Camphor 10 grains
Acacia (pulverized) 20 grains
Sulphur (precipitated) 2 drams
Lime water 2 ounces
Rose water 2 ounces
Apply on the face with a soft cloth at bedtime. Allow to dry and brush off
the excess of the powder.
Local.--Remove the plugs (of sebum) and stimulate the skin glands. For
this purpose prolonged (ten minutes at a time) bathing of the face with
hot water and soap; tincture of green soap in the more indolent, sluggish
cases, should precede the pressing out of the blackheads: Lateral pressure
with the fingers or with the comedone extractor, especially contrived for
this purpose, will express the black-heads. After they are out, the skin
dried and cleaned, various stimulating remedies can be applied in
ointments and lotions such as following:
Eczema Rubrum (red).--The skin looks red, raw, and "weeps." It is most
commonly found about the face and scalp in children, and the lower parts
of the legs in the old.
2. Eczema, Olive Oil and Powder for.--"Bathe with olive oil and sift over
the skin a powder composed of equal parts of fine laundry starch and oxide
of zinc powder." Do not bathe with water until healed.
3. Eczema, Herb Tea for.--"A good wash for eczema is made of an ounce of
bruised blood-root and yellow dock, steeped well in a pint of alcohol, and
half pint of vinegar." Apply gently to the affected parts.
Mix."
Local Treatment for the acute and sub-acute (between acute and chronic)
eczema.
In acute cases, with much pouring out of liquid (serum), lotions have a
cooling effect. They should be frequently renewed.
1. Black Wash.
Calomel 1 dram
Mucilage Tragacanth 1 dram
Lime water 10 ounces
Mix. Can be used full strength or diluted. Bathe the affected parts
several times daily for fifteen or twenty minutes with this lotion and
apply oxide of zinc ointment afterwards.
2. Lead and Laudanum wash.--When the parts discharge moisture with burning
feeling, and are very sensitive the following is good:
The Black wash should be used twice a day just before the oxide of zinc
ointment is applied. In other cases powdered oxide of zinc is dusted over
the part if the discharge is watery or profuse.
8. Pastes are often borne better than ointment. The following is a good
one. Lassar's paste:
Starch 2 drams
Oxide of Zinc 2 drams
Vaselin 4 drams
Mix and make a paste, apply to the part and cover with soft gauze.
1. Tincture of green soap used with hot water until the skin is bared and
then dress with oxide of zinc ointment.
Glycogelatin Dressing.--
Gelatin 10 drops
Oxide of Zinc 10 drops
Glycerin 40 drops
Water 40 drops
Eczema of the Scalp, Milk Crust.--Remove the crusts by soaking the scalp
with some bland oil for twelve hours, followed by a shampoo, (the hair
should be cut in children) then the lotions and thin ointment (see above)
should be applied.
Eczema of the Face.--A mask of soft linen with holes cut out for the eyes,
mouth and nostrils may be used.
Diet in Eczema.--Avoid salty foods, such as salted fish or pork and corned
beef; greasy foods such as bacon and fried dishes; pastry and cheese.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Salt Rheum. 1. Alum Wash and Cathartic for.--"Use
an astringent wash as alum, tablespoonful in pint of water, and keep
bowels opened by cooling medicines, as cream tartar, rochelle salts,
etc." The alum solution will be found very cooling and by keeping the
bowels open you will carry off all the impurities thus cleansing the
blood, which is one of the essential things to do in salt rheum.
2. Salt Rheum, Ammonia and Camphor for.--"Apply ammonia and camphor to the
cracks. Have used this successfully when everything else failed." Care
should be taken not to have the ammonia too strong, as it may irritate the
skin more. If used properly, it is a good remedy.
3. Salt Rheum, Cactus Leaf Cure for.--"From one large cactus leaf take out
the thorns, add one tablespoon of salt, three tablespoons lard, stew out
slowly, and grease with this at night. Remarks:--This cured my hand that
had been in an awful condition for years."
4. Boil, Bean Leaf Poultice for.--"Apply snap bean leaves, beat up fine."
Bruise the leaves so that they are real fine, and apply to the boil. This
acts the same as a poultice.
Iodoform 4 grains
Menthol 2 grains
Vaselin 1 dram
Mix and smear a cotton plug and insert in the ear two or three times a
day.
External Abscess.--Boil the knife, wash your hands in clean, hot, soapy
water. Wash the abscess and surrounding parts in hot water and good soap,
and rinse off with alcohol, a salt solution, or listerine, etc. Then make
a good deep clean cut and scrape out if necessary. Dress with a clean
linen gauze or absorbent cotton, Poultices may be used if you are careful.
Such an abscess should be dressed twice a day. The inner dressing should
be soft and thick enough to absorb all the secretion given out between
dressings.
How? Place the hand with the fingers extended with the palm up (it is
usually under the finger or in the palm of the hand) upon the table; stand
by the side of the arm. Attract the patient to something else; have a
curved two-edge knife ready and put the point, one-half inch, toward the
palm, away from the felon part, press hard and the patient will jerk his
hand and the cut will be made down to the bone, the membrane and tissues
all opened freely, a vent given for the pus and in ten minutes very little
pain. Dress as for an abscess. If opened this way, it need not be
reopened.
If in the Palm.--This needs a doctor, and must be opened with care. There
are too many blood vessels to be careless there and one who understands it
must do it. Open a true felon early before it has time to destroy the
bone.
5. Felon, Hot Water Cure for.--"When you first feel it coming put the
finger in a cup of hot water, just so it does not blister, keep adding
more hot water as it cools for one hour. This has been tried several times
and it has always stopped them."
6. Felon, Soap and Cornmeal Poultice for.--"Poultice with soft soap and
cornmeal. This never fails if taken in time."
10. Felon, Turpentine Cure for.--"Soak the finger for one hour in
turpentine. This has been known to cure a great many cases of felon."
11. Felon, Weak Lye Application for.--"Stick your finger in weak lye (can
lye). Have water just as hot as you can stand your finger in. Hold it in
as long as possible."
12. Felon, Rock Salt and Turpentine for.--"Rock salt dry and pounded fine.
Mix equal portions with turpentine. When dry change. This cured a felon on
my father." As much of our Canadian salt is rock salt, it is the most
common salt to use.
3. The membrane within the shell of an egg is another good drawing remedy.
Dr. Chase gives this definition of a felon in his first edition: "This is
on one of the fingers, thumb or hand and is very painful. It is often
situated at the root of the nail." The latter is the kind, and also that
of the structures above the covering of the bone that are eased by local
treatment. Especially the superficial, about the nail, etc. Steaming with
herbs will do such good, or any hot poultice will do good. Dr. Chase says
in another place, "Whitlow resembles a felon, but it is not so deeply
seated. It is often found around the nail. Immerse the finger in strong
lye as long and as hot as can be borne several times a day." Such felons
are curable by local treatment. I prefer the salt and yolk of the egg to
the lye. If you cannot stand this all the time, steam in the intervals
with strong herbs or use hot poultices, and then open when it points.
Chronic Ulcer.--This is one which does not tend to heal, or heals very
slowly. Sometimes such ulcers need to be stimulated like the application
of nitrate of silver and then healing applications. Carbolated oxide of
zinc ointment is a good healing ointment.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Sores and Ulcers, the Potato Lotion for.--"Take the
water you boil potatoes in and in one quart of it boil one ounce of
foxglove leaves for ten minutes, then add one ounce tincture of myrrh to
the lotion, bathe the affected parts with the lotion warm, then keep a
cloth wet with it on the sore, if possible, until cured."
"Honey 4 ounces
Spirits of Turpentine 1/2 ounce
Beeswax 4 ounces
Oil of Wintergreen 1/2 ounce
Tincture of Opium 1 ounce
Fluid Extract Lobelia 1/4 ounce
Lard 3/4 pound
Mix by the aid of gentle heat, stirring well at the same time. This is a
very useful ointment for healing wounds and old sores."
8. Ulcers, Proud Flesh, Venereal Sores and all Fungus Swellings, Blood
Root and Sweet Nitre for.--"Two ounces pulverized blood root; one pint of
sweet nitre; macerate for ten days, shake once or twice a day."
9. Rosin 1 ounce
Beeswax 1 ounce
Mutton Tallow 4 ounces
Verdigris 1 dram
Melt the rosin, tallow and wax together, then add the verdigris. Stir
until cool and apply.
Add a few drops of carbolic acid to the above and you will have the
carbolated salve which is quite expensive when bought prepared and under
the manufacturer's label.
10. Sores and Chapped Hands, Sour Cream Salve for.--"Tie thick sour cream
in a cloth and bury in the ground over night. In the morning it will be a
nice salve. Excellent for chapped hands or anything that requires a soft
salve."
12. Ulcers and Sores, Carrots will heal.--"Boil carrots until soft and
mash them to a pulp, add lard or sweet oil sufficient to keep it from
getting hard. Spread and apply; excellent for offensive sores. Onion
poultice made the same way is good for slow boils and indolent sores."
This makes a very soothing poultice and has great healing properties.
13. Ulcers and Sores, a Remedy that Cures.--"To one-fourth pound of tallow
add one-fourth pound each of turpentine and bayberry and two ounces of
olive oil. Good application for scrofulous sores and ulcers." This makes a
good ointment, but should not be continued too long at a time as the
turpentine might have a bad action on the kidneys.
14. Ulcers and Old Sores, Bread and Indian meal for.--"Take bread and milk
or Indian meal, make to consistency of poultice with water, stir in
one-half cup of pulverized charcoal. Good to clean ulcers and foul sores."
The bread and Indian meal make a good poultice while the charcoal is
purifying and a good antiseptic.
A salve made by boiling the inner bark of the common elder, the strained
juice mixed with cream or vaselin is a good healing application for
ulcers.
Treatment.--General tonics are needed and those given under anemia, which
see. Applications for the local treatment.--Solution of alum applied to
the part will act as an astringent.
White oak bark tea is good as anything. It should not be used so strong as
to stop sweating entirely. Then follow it with dusting powders of starch
or boric acid, containing salicylic acid (two to five per cent). When it
occurs upon the feet use the Diachylon ointment. It must be made up fresh
in a drug store. This is applied on strips of lint or muslin after the
parts have been thoroughly washed and dried; it should be renewed twice
daily, the parts being dried with soft towels and then covered with
dusting powder, followed by the ointment.
3. Freckles, Alcohol and Lemon Juice for.--"Use alcohol and lemon juice
freely at night." Lemon juice is very good for the skin if applied
frequently.
The borax powder will be found good to cover the parts and muriate of
morphia relieves the pain. The rose water is simply put in to dissolve the
other ingredients.
3. Chafing, Borax and Zinc Stops.--"Wash parts frequently with cold water
and use the following solution:
The above combination is excellent as the water cleanses the parts and the
borax and zinc are very soothing and healing.
Causes.--If they are subject to too much irritation they develop into
malignant growth.
ENLARGED NAIL. (Onychauxis).--The nail may become too long, thick or wide.
Treatment.--Remove the cause. Trim away the excessive nail tissue with a
knife or scissors. In paronychia, inflammation around the nail, pieces of
lint or cotton should be inserted between the edge of the nail and the
inflamed parts, and wet solution of antiseptics, like listerine or salt
water, applied with cloths.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Lice.--Destroy the lice and their eggs (ova) by
thoroughly baking or boiling the clothing. The irritated skin can be
healed by soothing applications like vaselin, and oxide of zinc.
Symptoms.--The disease may attack any part of the body. The blisters range
from the size of a pea to a large egg. They contain at first a clear
fluid, which soon becomes cloudy and looks more or less like pus. They
last several days and then dry up. They do not rupture of themselves very
often. It is not catching.
Causes.--These are obscure and not understood. A low state of the system
is usually found.
Arsenic in the form of Fowler's solution from three to ten drops three
times a day; or the arsenious acid in pills of 1/50 of a grain three times
a day. This medicine must not be used in the acute form, but only in
chronic cases.
2. Remove the scales thoroughly with hot water and soap and then apply:
Chrysarobin 1 dram
Ether, Alcohol Equal parts of each and enough
to dissolve the first remedy
Collodion 1 ounce
This solution may cause inflammation and great swelling, and on that
account it should not be used on the face, it stains the skin. Dr. Hare
recommends a bath only before the application. In that way some scales
remain and there is not so much inflammation and swelling resulting. The
stain can be removed with a weak solution of chlorinated lime.
Apply frequently.
If necessary more lard can be used, especially if the skin is very tender.
Resorcinol 1 dram
Zinc Oxide 1 dram
Rose Water Ointment 10 drams
After mixing the ointment heat it until the resorcinol crystals melt to
prevent any irritation of the skin from them.
3. Itch, Herb Ointment for.--"Mix the juice of scabious with fresh lard
and apply as an ointment. A decoction made from the same herb might be
taken at the same time to purify the blood. It is always well to take some
blood tonic together with any outward application you may use." Some who
read the above may know scabious by other names as the "morning bride" or
"sweet scabious" or "devil's bit," etc.
5. Itch, Oatmeal for.--"A poultice of oatmeal and oil of bays; cures the
itch and hard swellings." Oatmeal poultices are more stimulating and draw
more rapidly than those made of linseed meal.
Rub lac-sulphur into fine powder. Sift it into the melted cosmoline and
stir until nearly cool, then add napthaline and oil bergamot. Stir until
cool."
First Thing to Do.--Soak the body thoroughly with soap (green soap if you
have it) and water, this softens the outer layer (epidermis). This layer
covers the female parasite which burrows under it. The male does not
burrow and it is therefore easier to kill. Rub the skin thoroughly with a
rough towel after the soaking. This rubbing will remove the outer skin
scales and with it some of the parasites. The towel should be boiled at
once to prevent it from conveying the parasite to others. Then apply the
ointment, which, if thoroughly applied, relieves the patient at once. The
skin should be well softened and rubbed in order to open every track
(burrow) of the parasite. Allow the ointment to remain on all night and
use it for three or four nights successively.
Sulphur 1 dram
Balsam Peru 1 dram
Lard 1 ounce
Apply as usual.
Third:--Boil and disinfect all underwear and bedding or any article liable
to give an abiding place to the parasite. It is easily cured with proper
treatment.
Dry Seborrhoea.--This is a more common form and occurs upon the hairy or
non-hairy parts, but chiefly upon the scalp (dandruff). The affected
parts are covered with grayish, greasy scales, which are easily dislodged,
the skin underneath is oily and slate gray in color. This type of the
disease forms one type of dandruff. When it is of long standing the hair
becomes dry and falls out.
Mixed type.--This type is common upon the scalp. The surface is covered,
more or less, with scales and crusts. If the disease continues long the
hair becomes dry, lusterless and falls out. Permanent baldness may result.
Dissolve the above in one gallon of soft water. Rinse the hair thoroughly
and repeat as often as necessary. This recipe was given me by a barber and
I find it very good,"
3. Dandruff, Lemon Juice for.--"Cut a lemon in two, loosen the hair and
rub the lemon into the scalp. Do this in the evening before retiring, for
about a week, then stop for a few nights, then use for another week, and
so on until cured."
Use twice daily. If it makes the scalp a tittle sore, discontinue for a
short time."
Local--In mild cases, shampooing with hot water and a good soap may be
sufficient when the scales and crusts are thick and abundant; first soften
them with olive oil and then remove them with hot water and green soap.
After the scalp has been cleaned, the remedies should be applied. The
remedies should be thoroughly rubbed in and applied in the form of
ointments or lotions and used once daily. Cutting the hair may be
necessary. The odor of sulphur may be overcome by the use of perfume. If
the scalp becomes too dry after shampooing some oil should first be
applied, whatever application is used afterwards.
1. Resorcin 1 to 2 drams
Pure Castor Oil 1 dram
Alcohol 2 ounces
WEN (Sebaceous Cyst. Steatoma).--A wen varies in size from a millet seed
to an egg, and it is due to the distention of a sebaceous gland by its
retained secretions. They occur most commonly on the scalp, face and back.
They cause no pain, grow slowly, and after they have grown to a certain
size remain stationary for an indefinite time. Sometimes they become
inflamed and ulcerate.
Treatment.--Make a free cut and take the mass out. Its covering (capsule)
or sac must be removed at the same time, for if any of this membrane
(capsule) is left it will fill up again. Equal parts of fine salt and the
yolk of an egg beaten together and applied continuously will eat the skin
open and the mass can then be taken out. This is quite painful and takes
several days, while with the knife there is little pain if cocaine is
injected and it will all be over in a few minutes.
2. Ringworm, Cigar Ashes for.--"Wet the sore and cover with cigar ashes.
Repeat frequently. This will cure if taken in time." This is a very simple
and effective remedy. Cigar ashes are always easy to obtain and if applied
to the ringworm at the very beginning, the nicotine in the tobacco will
draw out the soreness and relieve the inflammation.
4. Ringworm, Ontario Mother Cured Boy of.--"Wash head with vinegar and
paint with iodine to kill germ. Cured a neighbor's boy."
5. Creasote 20 drops
Oil of Cadini 3 drams
Precipitated Sulphur 3 drams
Bicarbonate Potash 1 dram
Lard 1 ounce
4. Tincture of Iodine.
This variety lasts longer than the ringworms on the body, months sometimes
are required to cure it.
4. Barber's Itch, Sulphur and Lard for.--"Sulphur and lard mixed together
and applied three or four times a day. Have found this to be the best of
anything ever used for barber's itch." This remedy will be found very good
if the case is not very severe. If the face is covered with sores, filled
with pus and of long standing a stronger treatment should be used. See
other Mothers' Remedies, also Doctors' Treatment.
3. Hives or Nettle Rash, Tea and Powder for.--"Rub with buckwheat flour;
this will relieve the itching almost immediately. Sassafras tea is a good
internal remedy."
9. Hives or Nettle Rash, Canada Blue Clay for.--"Mix up blue clay and
water to make a paste. Leave until dry and then wash off."
GANGRENE.--This is the death of a part of the body in mass. There are two
forms, moist and dry.
IVY POISONING.--The parts usually affected are the hands, face, the
genitals, the arms, the thighs and neck.
"Bromine 10 to 20 drops
Olive Oil 1 ounce
Mix. Rub the mixture gently into the affected parts three or four times a
day. The bromine being volatile the solution should be freshly made."
CHAPPED HANDS AND FACE. Mothers' Remedies.--1. Chapped Hands, Quince Seed
Cream for.--"Soak one teaspoonful of quince seeds in one cup warm water
over night. Strain through a cloth and add one ounce glycerin, five cents'
worth bay rum, and perfume if you choose."
Glycerin 4 ounces
Cologne 2 ounces
Benzoin 1/2 ounce
Rain water 1 pint
This remedy has also been used for years by a friend, and we have proved
it good. If applied frequently during the winter the hands will not chap."
8. Chapped Hands, Rose Cream for.--"Get ten cents' worth of rose water,
five cents' worth of glycerin and the juice of one lemon. Mix and rub on
the affected parts,"
Dissolve the borax in the orange flower water, slightly warmed. Mix the
wax, spermaceti, oil of benne and shaving cream in a bainmaire, at gentle
heat. Then stir in the perfumed water and almonds. Strain through a clean
muslin strainer, place in a mortar and while stirring gradually work in
the alcohol in which the oils have been previously dissolved."
This is a good skin food to be rubbed into the skin with the tips of the
fingers."
6. Face Cream. the Cold Ontario Wind Harmless When Using this.--"Wash in
warm water, rub face dry with corn-meal. This takes place of bottle
cream."
[Transcriber's Note: From the Mayo Clinic (2005): 1. Get out of the cold.
2. Warm hands by tucking them into your armpits. If your nose, ears or
face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands.
3. Don't rub the affected area, especially with snow. 4. If there's any
chance of refreezing, don't thaw out the affected areas. If they're
already thawed out, wrap them up so they don't refreeze. 5. Get emergency
medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help
immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm--not
hot--water.]
BUNIONS.--This is a lump over a joint usually of the big toe, usually due
to pressure and a wrong position of the surfaces of the joint.
This mixture when applied will have a drawing effect, and care should be
taken not to leave it on too long, as it will irritate the parts and make
it very sore.
Simmer gently together in a pan water bath until the beeswax is melted,
stirring until cool. When it is ready for use apply on going to bed on a
soft rag."
8. Chilblains, the Hemlock Remedy for.--"Hemlock twigs mixed with lard and
pounded until it is green, then bound on."
Causes.--They are most common in children between two and six years of
age; but are not rare in adults. Predisposing causes are spring and
autumn, tuberculosis, teething, poor nutrition, stomach and bowel
disorders.
Symptoms.--The vesicles soon rupture and leave the ulcer (canker). There
may be a few or many, pin-head or split pea in size, along the edges of
the tongue, inside the cheeks. They are very tender.
2. Canker Sore Mouth, Oak Bark Tea for.--"Red Oak bark, a little salt and
pepper." The bark should be boiled down to make a good strong tea,
according to age of person. The salt has an astringent effect upon the
mouth and is also a good antiseptic. The pepper should not be used when
the parts are very red and inflamed. It should be used only when they are
rather sluggish.
3. Canker Sore Mouth, Boracic acid for.--"Rinse the mouth with a solution
of boracic acid and put some of the dry powder on the canker," This is a
very good remedy as the boracic acid is a good antiseptic and is
especially good for children and mild cases of canker sore mouth.
4. Canker Sore Mouth, Canker Weed Tea for.--"Apply canker weed found in
the woods. A small plant with dark green leaves spotted with white." Make
a tea of the canker weed by steeping it, then strain and apply to the
affected parts. This is a very good remedy.
5. Canker Sore Mouth, Honey and Borax for.--"Honey and borax used as a
mouth wash or swabbing is excellent." The honey is very soothing and the
borax is a good antiseptic.
6. Canker Sore Mouth, Wild Turnip for.--"Dried wild turnip grated fine and
put in mouth. I know this is excellent."
7. Canker Sore Mouth, Alum for.--"Take a piece of alum, rub on the canker
often."
8. Canker Sore Mouth, Borax Water for.--"Rinse the mouth well with a weak
solution of borax water, then put a little dry borax on the canker. They
will generally heal after one or two applications."
10. Sore Mouth, Shoemaker Root and Borax good for.--"Take the inside bark
of shoemaker root and steep it; strain, add a little borax; have known it
to take off canker where doctors failed." If the above cannot be secured
make a tea from common strawberry leaves. You can use this for a baby by
swabbing the mouth, and I have known some mothers to throw in a small
piece of alum making it stronger for an older person.
5. The juice of a ripe tomato is good applied locally. Sore mouth should
be kept absolutely clean. Thrush frequently comes from uncleanness.
Causes.--It is more common in girls and boys and usually appears between
the ages of two and five years. It is worse in the low countries like
Holland, but it is not contagious. It is more likely to attack the sickly
children suffering from the effects of overcrowding. It may follow
diseases like scarlet fever, typhoid fever, smallpox, etc.
Symptoms.--It usually affects first the mucous membrane of one cheek, near
the corner of the mouth, as a dark, ragged, sloughing ulcer and spreads
for two or three days before the substance of the cheek is infected. If
you grasp the cheek between the thumb and finger you can then feel a hard
and sensitive lump. The cheek may be eaten through by the third day,
though a week generally passes before this happens. There is a burning
watery discharge from the unhealthy wound. The breath smells terribly and
it is almost unbearable. The gangrene may spread over one half of the face
of the side affected.
Salivation.--Stop the mercury, keep the bowels open and use the same
antiseptic washes as directed for sore mouth.
Severe cases.--These may set in with a chill; fever 102 or 103. The
tongue is much coated, breath foul and frequent vomiting, loss of
appetite, great thirst, tenderness in region of the stomach; repeated
vomiting of food at first, then of bile stained fluid with mucus;
constipation or diarrhea. Attacks last one to five days.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Mustard and Molasses
for.--"Mustard is an excellent household remedy kept in every home. A
tablespoonful of white mustard mingled with two ounces of molasses and
then taken once a day will act gently on the bowels and is a beneficial
remedy in dyspepsia." By acting upon the bowels it relieves the stomach of
any food that may have caused a disturbance and relieves the dyspepsia.
Mix.
For acute cases of indigestion where the stomach and bowels are full and
distended, or sour stomach, spitting up of food. This will often relieve
at once and with continued use relieves entirely."
10. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Cold Water for.--"A glass of cold water half
hour before eating."
12. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Yolk of Egg and Salt for.--"A very simple
but good remedy is the yolk of one egg, with a small quantity of common
salt before breakfast. This treatment has been tried and known to cure in
many cases."
The leptandrin acts on the liver, the colombo is a bitter tonic and
hydrastis is a good tonic for the stomach.
16. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Chamomile Tonic for Aged Persons also for
Children.--"Put about one-half ounce chamomile flowers into a jug, pour a
pint of boiling water upon them, cover up the tea, and when it has stood
about ten minutes pour it off from the flowers into another jug; sweeten
with sugar or honey. A cupful in the morning will strengthen the digestive
organs, a teacupful in which is stirred a large dessert spoonful of moist
sugar and a little grated ginger is an excellent thing to give to aged
persons a couple of hours before dinner," It is remarkable to see how this
treatment aids the digestion, especially in chronic cases. It may also be
given to fretful children in small doses.
May take--
Drinks--One cup of milk and hot water equal parts, or one glass of pure
cool water, sipped after eating, Panopepton or cracked ice.
Must Not Take--Rich soups or chowders, veal, pork, hashes, stews, turkey,
potatoes, gravies, fried foods, liver, kidney; pickled, potted, corned or
cured meats; salted, smoked or preserved fish; goose, duck, sausage,
crabs, lobster, salmon, pies, pastry, candies, ice cream, cheese, nuts,
ice water, malt or spirituous liquors.
Symptoms.--Almost every bad feeling can be put under this head, both
physical and mental. It has been coming on gradually for some time and the
warnings have not been heeded; The appetite is variable, sometimes good
and often poor. Among the early symptoms are feelings of distress or
oppression after eating, and they may amount to actual pain; great or
small. Sometimes feels sick at the stomach, belching of gas and bitter
liquids and vomiting of food immediately after eating or some hours later.
Stomach tender and painful to the touch. Stomach and abdomen are
distended, especially after meals, with costive bowels or diarrhea. Feels
weary, blue, tired, discouraged, poor sleep, bad dreams, bitter taste in
the mouth, tongue coated especially on the back part, craves different
things, much wind on the stomach, acid stomach, heavy feeling in the
stomach, sometimes as if a stone lay there. Stomach feels weak, it is
hard to sit up. Frequently must lie down after meals. Urine may have sand
in it, Stomach feels full after eating only a little, must open up the
clothes across the stomach. Persons are cross, irritable, discouraged,
gloomy, nervous, generally look thin, haggard and sallow. The dreams are
of horrid things, nightmare.
6. Pains in Stomach, Hot Plate for.--"Hot plate laid on stomach. Use the
heavy English made plates, common to us in Canada, as they will hold heat
longer."
Diet.--A regular time for eating and no eating between meals. Do not eat
too much or too fast, or anything that you know disagrees with you. Fried
foods are generally harmful, pies, cakes, hot breads, strong tea and
coffee and alcohol, gravy and highly spiced foods; vinegar pickles,
preserves, etc., are generally bad. If there is acid belching gas on
stomach, the starch foods should be restricted, particularly potatoes and
the coarser vegetables. Potatoes fried in lard or butter are always bad
unless you are a hard physical worker. Dr. Osler, England, says breads,
pancakes, pies, and tarts, with heavy pastry and fried articles of all
sorts, should be strictly prohibited. As a rule, white bread toasted is
more readily digested than bread made from the whole meal. Sometimes
graham bread is better. Sugar and very sweet articles of food should be
used in great moderation or avoided altogether. Ice cream frequently
aggravates it. Soda water is a great dyspepsia producer. Fats, except a
little good butter, very fat meats, and thick greasy soups and gravies
should be avoided.
Ripe fruits are good in some cases. Bananas generally are not digested.
Berries are frequently harmful. Milk is splendid diet for some people.
Pain in the region of the stomach and the back is the most constant
symptom. It is usually sharp, increased at once by food, relieved by
vomiting. The tender spot can be located. Bleeding occurs in about
one-half the cases and is usually profuse, bright red and fluid; if
retained in the stomach the blood becomes clotted and brown. Tar-like
stools when there is blood in the bowels. They usually recover under
treatment, but may recur.
Diet.--Attend to this also and you will save pain and distress. Every case
should be treated as it needs and no special directions can be given here.
DIARRHEA:--Causes.
"Paregoric 1 ounce
Tincture of Camphor 1/2 ounce
Tincture of Ginger 1/2 ounce
Tincture of Red Pepper 1/2 ounce
Essence of Peppermint 1/2 ounce
Ether 1/2 ounce
Mix.--Dose for adult, one teaspoonful to four of water every two hours
if necessary. This is an excellent remedy."
7. Diarrhea, Hot Milk, for.--"A glass of sweet milk that has been boiled
well. Drink hot; use several times daily until checked."
"Paregoric 2 ounces
Brandy 1 ounce
Jamaica Ginger 1 ounce
Have used this and found it excellent." Dose: 1/2 dram every 3 hours.
13. Summer Complaint, Milk and Pepper a Common Remedy for.--"Sweet milk
and black pepper once or twice a day. Dose.--Three or four swallows.
Mother used to use this for us children." The milk should be warmed, for
in this way it relieves the diarrhea while the pepper is stimulating.
Mix and shake bottle. Give one-half to one teaspoonful for loose
bowels in a child six months old, every two to four hours as needed."
May Take--
Oatmeal, wheaten grits, fresh breads, rich soups, vegetables, fried foods,
fish, salt meats, lamb, veal, pork, brown or graham bread, fruits, nuts,
pies, pastry, ice cream, ice water, sugars, sweets, custards, malt
liquors, sweet wines.
Infants.--Bottle-fed infants should stop milk and use egg albumen, etc.
This is prepared by gently stirring (not to a froth) the white of one egg
in a cup of cold water and one-fourth teaspoonful of brandy and a little
salt mixed with it. Feed this cold.
Symptoms.--Sometimes the patient feels tired, then nausea, etc. The attack
though is usually sudden, with nausea, vomiting, and cramp-like pains in
the abdomen. The contents of the stomach are vomited. The bowel discharge
at first is diarrhea and later like rice water. Repeated vomiting and
purging, with severe cramps. It looks like true cholera.
2. Cholera Morbus, Blackberry Root and Boiled Milk for.--"Steep the root
of the long blackberry, give in one-half teaspoonful doses; alternate with
teaspoonfuls of well boiled sweet milk, one-half hour apart."
Take a half teaspoonful every two hours. This is a tested recipe; have
known of its being used the last fifty years."
The camphor and paregoric will relieve the pain, while the rhubarb and
pepper are stimulating and laxative.
8. Cholera Morbus, Common Remedy for.--"To check vomiting and purging, the
following mixture is excellent:
Mix and shake well. Dose.--One teaspoonful every ten or twenty minutes
until the patient becomes quiet. If necessary keep up bodily heat by means
of hot flannels or bricks to extremities. Keep the patient quiet."
This is an excellent remedy for this trouble and may be used by anyone.
The above mixture is for an adult.
Cautions.--This book will probably find its way into homes many miles from
a drug store and possibly a long distance from a physician. Should a child
in that home show symptoms of cholera infantum it would be imperative for
that mother to begin at once home treatments. We, therefore, give below a
number of remedies which a mother can either prepare in her home or can
take the precaution to have filled at some convenient time and keep
constantly at hand, properly labeled so she can turn to them at any
moment. On the other hand, should you have to wait even three or four
hours for a physician begin one of the treatments below until he comes;
you may save the child's life by doing so. Cholera infantum and pneumonia
claim so many of our little ones each year, and in many cases snatch them
away within a few hours of the first noticeable symptoms that we must
advise you to call a physician as soon as you suspect it is serious. Cases
vary and only a trained eye can detect the little symptoms and changes
that may weigh in the balance the life of baby.
9. Cholera Infantum, Injection for.--"For infant one year old inject into
the bowels one pint of thin starch, in which is mixed from three to five
drops of laudanum; cool, repeat night and morning. Plenty of water or cold
barley water may be given and the food for a time may consist of egg
albumen with a few drops of brandy. When the symptoms first appear apply a
spice plaster or hot application over the abdomen; and keep child as quiet
as possible." This is a remedy recommended and used by a number of
physicians and has cured many severe cases.
4. Castor oil; one teaspoonful may be needed if the bowels have any fecal
matter in them.
2. For nervous vomiting; two to five drops of garlic juice is good. Dose
of syrup for a child [is] one teaspoonful. Dose of syrup for an adult is
four teaspoonfuls.
Local Signs.--Tenderness of the rectus muscle (to the right of the centre
of the abdomen) and tenderness or pain on deep pressure. The muscle may be
so rigid that a satisfactory examination cannot be made. Sometimes there
is a hardness or swelling in the appendix region. Tenderness, rigidity and
actual pain on deep pressure; with the majority of cases, a lump or
swelling in the region of the appendix.
Surgeons have declared that sudden pain in the region of the appendix,
with fever and localized tenderness, with or without a lump almost without
exception means appendix disease. Rest in bed, take measures to allay the
pain; ice bag applied to the part is very effective.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Toothache, Dry Salt and Alum for.--1. "Equal parts.
Take common salt and alum. Mix and pulverize these together, wet a small
piece of cotton and cause the mixture to adhere to it and place in the
hollow tooth. At first a sensation of coldness will be produced, which
will gradually disappear, as will the toothache. This is an excellent
remedy and should be given a trial by any person suffering with this
trouble."
2. Toothache, Oil of Cloves Quick Relief for.--"If the tooth has a cavity
take a small piece of cotton and saturate with oil of cloves and place in
tooth, or you may rub the gum with oil of sassafras." These are both good
remedies, and will often give relief almost instantly.
Remark: This remedy will give relief where all others fail. Not only
for toothache, but for neuralgia pains in any part of the body, apply
with cloth moistened and lay on the parts affected. Continue until
relieved."
6. Toothache, Salt and Alum Water for.--"Fill a bottle of any size half
full of equal parts of pulverized alum and salt, then fill up the bottle
with sweet spirits of nitre. Shake and apply it to the tooth and gums.
Apply it freely, as there is nothing to hurt or injure you."
Diluted alcohol, half water, sufficient to make the whole into one gallon.
Let it stand in an earthen jar to macerate for fourteen days; stir
occasionally, then strain and filter through filtering paper. The alcohol
will have no injurious effect. This is an excellent tooth remedy."
Use in the water in which you brush your teeth. Let boracic acid water
cool, then add last three ingredients."
Mix all well together and after using it you will find the following
mouth-wash fine for rinsing out the mouth."
Mix and pass through a sieve. This is a preparation that has no superior
for cleaning, preserving and whitening the teeth.
For bloating, turpentine cloths should be used, and other hot, moist
applications.
The most common forms of rupture protrude through one of the natural
openings or weak spots in the abdominal walls, as for instance, the
inguinal (groin) and femoral canals. The femoral canal is located at the
upper and inner part of the thigh, and this place is a seat of rupture,
especially in women. Rupture may also occur at the navel, when it is
called umbilical hernia or rupture. The contents of a hernia are bowel and
omentum (a covering of the bowel) separately or together. The bowel
involved in a rupture is usually the lower portion of the small bowel, but
the large bowel is sometimes affected. A sac covers the bowel or omentum
in a rupture. This sac consists of the protruded portion of peritoneum,
which has been gradually pushed through one of the canals (inguinal or
femoral) or of the process of peritoneum, which has been carried down by
the testicle in its descent, and the connection of which with the
peritoneum of the abdomen still continues, not having been obliterated, as
it usually is before birth. The former is called an acquired rupture sac;
the latter is a congenital rupture sac, and it is found only in groin
(inguinal rupture).
Operations now performed for rupture are very successful if the patient
takes good care for months afterwards until the parts are thoroughly
healed. The operation simply closes a too large opening. The testicles
descending through the groin canal from the abdominal cavity before birth
and in congenital rupture, left too big an opening. In acquired rupture,
these natural openings were enlarged by lifting, falls, etc. The round
ligament of the womb goes down through this canal and sometimes there is
too large an opening left or acquired by accident.
The patient should be kept in bed and treated the same way as for other
abdominal operations.
THE LIVER.--The liver is the largest gland in the body, and is situated in
the upper and right part of the abdominal cavity. The lower border of the
liver corresponds to the lower border of the ribs in front and to the
right side. It weighs fifty to sixty ounces in the male; in the female,
forty to fifty ounces. It is about eight to nine inches in its transverse
measurement; vertically near its right surface it is six to seven inches,
while it is four to five inches thick at its thickest part. Opposite the
backbone from behind forward it measures about three inches. The left
lobe, the smallest and thinnest, extends to the left, over what is called
the pit of the stomach.
Diet.--Do not over-eat. Avoid alcohol in any form. Stimulating foods such
as spices, mustard salads, concentrated meat extracts and meat broths,
pepper, horseradish are not to be used. Do not use too much salt; strong
coffee and tea are harmful. In severe cases milk either diluted with water
or lime water or peptonized should alone be used.
Gruels, albumen water, kumiss, buttermilk and oyster broth may be allowed.
Orange juice as well as lemonade may generally be given. Fasting is good
in biliousness. No one will starve in a few days of fasting.
6. Biliousness, Boneset Tea for.--"Pour hot water on boneset and let stand
until it is cold. Take a swallow occasionally." This is very good.
Mix and make into twenty pills. Take one every night.
Symptoms.--The skin and the conjunctiva (red membrane of the eyes) are
colored from a pale lemon yellow to a dark olive or greenish black. The
itching may be intense, especially in a chronic case. The sweat may be
yellow. The stools are a pale slate color, from the lack of bile, and are
often pasty and offensive. The pulse is slow. Recovery depends upon the
cause. Plain, simple jaundice cases recover in a few days or weeks.
3. Jaundice, Peach Tree Bark for.--"Take the inner bark of a peach tree,
and make a strong tea, and give a teaspoonful before each meal for five
days, then stop five days, and if the patient's indications do not warrant
a reasonable expectation that a cure is effected repeat the medicine as
above. I never knew of a case in which the above medicine failed to cure.
Keep the bowels open with sweet oil."
MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Liver Complaint. Mandrake Root for.--1. "Dry and
powder the mandrake root (often called may-apple) and take about one
teaspoonful." This dose may be repeated two or three times a day,
according to the requirements of the case. This is a stimulant, a tonic
and a laxative, and is especially good when the liver is in a torpid and
inactive condition.
3. Torpid Liver, Boneset Tea for.--"Drink boneset tea at any time during
the day and at night. It is also good for cleansing the blood." This is a
very good remedy, especially for people who live in a low damp region.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Liver Trouble.--1. For the itching, hot alkaline
baths with baking soda in water, or dust on the following:--
Starch 1 ounce
Camphor, powdered l-1/2 drams
Oxide of Zinc 1/2 ounce
Mix and use as a powder, or use carbolic vaselin locally. Move the bowels
with salts and do not give much food for a few days. Use nothing but milk.
2. The following is good to move the bowels when the stool is yellow and
costive in a child one year old:
Mix and give one-half teaspoonful in water every three hours until the
bowels move freely. Phosphate of soda in one dram doses every three hours
is good.
4. The common simple kind of jaundice will get well readily by moving the
bowels freely and keeping the patient on light food.
CATARRHAL JAUNDICE. (Acute catarrhal angiocholitis).--Jaundice caused by
obstruction of the terminal portion of the common duct, by swelling of the
mucous membrane.
2. If you have calomel you may take one-tenth of a grain every hour for
four hours, and then follow with the sodium phosphate in one-half
teaspoonful doses every two to three hours, until the bowels have fully
moved, or epsom salts, two to four teaspoonfuls. Keep in bed if there is a
fever or a very slow pulse say of forty to fifty.
Symptoms.--There are usually none while the stones are in the gall
bladder, but when they pass from the gall bladder down through the
(channel) duct into the bowel they often cause terrific pain, especially
when the stone is large. Chill, fever, profuse sweating and vomiting,
which comes in paroxysms or is continuous. The pain may be constant or
only come on at intervals. The region of the liver may be tender, the gall
bladder may be enlarged, especially in chronic cases and very tender. In
some cases the pain comes every few weeks and then may be scattered,
sometimes seeming to be in the stomach, and then in the bowels, or in the
region of the liver. When a person has such pains and locates them in the
stomach or bowels, and they come periodically, every week or two or more,
he ought to be suspicious about it being gall stones, especially if the
symptoms do not show any stomach trouble. If the stone is large and closes
the common duct, jaundice occurs; the stools are light colored; the urine
contains bile. The attacks of pain may cease suddenly after a few hours,
or they may last several days or recur at intervals until the stone is
passed. The stones may be found in the bowel discharges after an attack.
Death may occur from collapse during an attack.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Gall Stones.--1. For the pain. Morphine must be
used and by the hypodermic method; one-fourth grain dose and repeated, if
necessary, and chloroform given before if the pain is intense, until the
morphine can act. Fomentations can be used over the liver.
4. Powder for the Itching.--For the intolerable itching you may use the
following powder, dust some of it over the skin:
Starch 1 ounce
Zinc Oxide 1/2 ounce
Camphor 1-1/2 drams
CANCER OF THE GALL BLADDER, AND BILE DUCTS. Causes.--It usually occurs
between forty and seventy years of age. The cases that originate here show
no percentage in either sex; but those that appear here as secondary
cancers are three times as frequent in women as in men. Chronic irritation
by gall stones is an important cause. They are hard to diagnose and, of
course, fatal in the secondary kind. For the primary kind early complete
removal may cure if you can get at them.
THE ABSCESS.--May break into the pleural cavity, bronchial tubes, lungs
and stomach, bowels, peritoneum or through the abdominal wall.
Treatment.--Open it if you can, Sponge liver region with cool water. For
the pain, mustard poultices, turpentine stupe or hot fomentations prove
beneficial. Keep up strength by stimulation and quinine.
May Take--
Strong soups, rich made dishes of any kind, hot bread or biscuits,
preserved fish or meats, curries, red meats, eggs, fats, butter, sugar,
herrings, eels, salmon, mackerel, sweets, creams, cheese, dried fruits,
nuts, pies, pastry, cakes, malt liquors, sweet wines, champagne.
The turpentine should be stopped when the skin shows red from it. The
cloths should not be heavy or they will cause pain by their weight. Ice
water can be used when cold cloths are needed.
For vomiting.--Stop all food and drink for the time and give cracked ice.
DISEASES OF THE RECTUM AND ANUS.--The lower part of the alimentary canal
is called the rectum, originally meaning straight. It is not straight in
the human animal. It is six to eight inches long. The anus is the lower
opening of the rectum. In health it is closed by the external Sphincter
(closing muscle). Disease may wear this muscle out and then the anus
remains open, causing the contents of the bowel to move involuntary.
3. Constipation, Hot Water for.--"A cup of hot water, as hot as one can
drink it, a half an hour before breakfast." The hot water thoroughly
rinses the stomach and helps the bowels to carry off all the impurities.
Mix."
One teaspoonful at night or fifteen drops four times a day for an adult.
Mix."
Adults may take a teaspoonful of this mixture before retiring, this will
be found very effective in the most stubborn cases of constipation.
12. Constipation, Fruit and Hot Water Cure for.--"Drink a pint of hot
water in the morning before eating. Eat fruit, plenty of apples, eat
apples in the evening, and they will loosen the bowels. Chew them fine,
mix with saliva."
The injections should be continued daily until all the feces has been
removed. They should not be used for weeks as has been recommended. If
soap suds are used in the enema, green or soft soap should be used, not
the hard soap.
Electricity.--One pole may be placed over the spinal column and the other
moved about over the course of the colon, or one over the spine and the
other over the rectum.
Again constipation is caused by the womb lying upon the rectum. Change
this condition. (See diseases of women).
May Take--
Salt, smoked, potted or preserved fish or meats, pork, liver, eggs, new
bread, puddings of rice or sago, pastry, milk, sweets, tea, nuts, cheese,
pineapple, spirituous liquors.
Foods classed as laxatives are honey, cider, molasses, and acid fruits,
such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and oranges. Berries are
effective laxatives on account of the acids and seeds they contain.
(Huckleberries are constipating). Prunes, dates and figs are good and
effective, also fruit juices.
5. The Aromatic Cascara is also good; doses are larger and pleasant to
take. This is more agreeable for children.
Remedies for Bath.--The bowels should move daily and the parts should be
kept clean. The parts should be bathed with hot water or weak solutions of
carbolic acid, alcohol or listerine, the heat being especially soothing.
Bathing the parts with bran, oatmeal, flaxseed, salt, rice, slippery elm
teas, or tar water adds much comfort to these parts. Do not wash much with
soapy water.
Mix. Apply freely two or three times daily after cleansing the parts.
Melt the suet and when partially cold, add the other ingredients.
6. The following is good for the itching and to heal the raw surfaces:--
Mix. Keep in contact with the itching area by means of gauze or cotton
while the itching is intense.
8. For injections into the rectum for rawness of the mucous membrane, the
following is well recommended. Use three drams of this at one time.
Varieties.--There are the external (covered by the skin) and the internal
(covered by mucous membrane).
External Piles.--Two kinds, venous piles and skin or simple enlarged tags
of skin. Venous piles usually occur in robust persons. They come on
suddenly and are caused by the rupture of one or more small veins during
the expulsion of hardened feces. There may be one or more, and may be
located just at the union of the mucous membrane and the skin. Their size
is from a millet-seed to a cherry, livid or dark blue in color, and appear
like bullets or small shots under the skin. At first they cause a feeling
of swelling at the margin of the anus; but as the clot becomes larger and
harder, there is a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the lower
part of the anal canal (or canal of the anus). The sphincter muscle
resents this and occasionally contracts, spasmodically at first, producing
a drawing feeling; later these contractions become longer and more
frequent, and there is intense suffering caused by the pile being
squeezed, and this suffering may be so great that sleep is impossible
without an opiate. Because of the straining, irritation of the rectum and
pain in the sphincter, the piles soon become highly inflamed and very
sensitive. The clot may be absorbed without any treatment. Occasionally it
becomes ulcerated from the irritation, infection takes place and an
abscess forms around the margin of the anus terminating in a fistula.
Mix.
In protruding, itching and blind piles, this ointment will give you almost
instant relief. If kept up several days it will promote a cure."
3. Piles, Good Salve for.--"Red precipitate two and one-half drams, oxide
of zinc one dram, best cosmoline three ounces, white wax one ounce,
camphor gum one dram." It is much better to have this salve made by a
druggist, as it is difficult to mix at home. This it a splendid salve and
very good for inflammation.
5. Piles, the Cold Water Cure for.--"Take about a half pint of cold water
and use as an injection every morning before trying to have a movement of
the bowels." This simple treatment has cured many cases where the stronger
medicines did not help.
Mix thoroughly and apply constantly ice cold on cotton to the sore parts.
This must be thoroughly mixed. Apply freely within the anus and to the
piles. Good for the pain.
3. For External Piles cleanse them well with a sponge dipped in cold
water, and then bathe them with distilled extract of witch hazel.
4. If there is much itching with the piles use the following salve:--
Menthol 20 grains
Calomel 30 grains
Vaselin 1 ounce
Apply freely with cotton or on to the piles. Ten cents will buy enough to
use.
Operation for Piles.--When these measures do not relieve the pains or the
piles become inflamed from slight causes and often, it is best to operate.
This can be done in a few minutes with a local anesthetic and the patient
frequently goes to sleep afterward, almost free from pain. Inject a three
per cent solution of eucaine, or six per cent solution of cocaine.
Thoroughly cleanse the part and hold the buttocks apart, pierce the pile
at its base with a thin sharp-pointed curved knife, laying it open from
side to side. Remove the clot with a curette, cauterize the vessel and
pack the cavity with gauze to prevent bleeding and to secure drainage.
Mix thoroughly and apply freely around the anus and in the rectum on the
piles.
The external parts should always be bathed with hot water, thoroughly,
before using.
4. If the protruded pile is inflamed and hard to push back, the following
is good and recommended highly:--
Chloretone 1 dram
Iodoform 1 dram
Gum Camphor 1 dram
Petrolatum 1 ounce
6. Tea of white oak bark, boiled down so as to be strong, and mixed with
lard and applied frequently, is good as an astringent, but not for the
very painful kind. It will take down the swelling.
7. Take a rectal injection of cold water before the regular daily stool.
This will soften the feces and decrease the congestion.
As stated before, each kidney is four inches long, two to two and one-half
in breadth, and more than one inch thick. The left is somewhat longer,
though narrower, than the right. The kidney is covered with what is called
a capsule. This can be easily stripped off. The structure of the kidney is
quite intricate. At the inner border of each kidney there is an opening
called the pelvis of the kidney, and leading from this, small tubes
penetrate the structure of the kidney in all directions. These tubes are
lined with special cells. Through these tubes go the excretions (urine)
from the body of the kidneys, to the pelvis, and from the pelvis through
the ureters, sixteen inches long, to the bladder.
4. Kidney and Bladder Trouble, Buchu Leaves for.--"Get five cents' worth
of buchu leaves at any drug store, and make a good strong tea of it by
steeping. This acts nicely on the kidneys. This remedy is easily prepared,
and is not expensive."
Mix the above ingredients and give a teaspoonful four times a day. This is
a very good remedy, as the cascara sagrada acts on the bowels and the
buchu and uva ursi acts on the kidneys, carrying off all the impurities
that would otherwise be retained in the system and cause trouble."
Treatment.--If the symptoms are not present, it is best for the patient
not to know the true condition, as nervous troubles frequently follow a
knowledge of its presence. If the symptoms are present, replace the kidney
while the patient is lying down and retain it by a suitable belt. Also
treat the nervous condition. If the symptoms are of the severe kind an
operation may be needed to fasten the kidney in its proper condition. This
is quite generally successful, and does away with much suffering and pain.
The pain may be so severe at times as to require morphine. Sometimes the
pain is due to uric acid or oxalates in the urine. For this regulate the
diet.
Diet for Movable Kidney.--The diet should be such as to produce fat. Milk
is excellent where it is well borne; if not well borne give easily
digested meats, such as chicken, roast beef, broiled steak and lamb chop;
fish of various kinds and vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, asparagus
and cauliflower; of fats, butter, cream, and chocolate; for constipation,
cider, buttermilk, grape-juice, fruits and honey.
Treatment.--This depends upon the cause. The patient must rest in bed and
the kidneys should not be stimulated. Cold applications to the loins. Hot
applications would injure.
Symptoms.--Perhaps a majority of the cases are latent (hidden) and are not
recognized until the occurrence of one of the serious and fatal
complications. There may have been no symptoms to suggest to the patient
the existence of a dangerous malady. In other cases the general health is
disturbed. The patient is tired, sleepless; he must get up two or three
times at night to pass urine; the digestion is disordered, the tongue is
coated; the patient complains of a headache, failing sight, and gets out
of breath by exercising. There may be vomiting, headache, neuralgia, and
increase of the quantity of urine is common. This is light in color, of
low specific gravity, 1005 to 1012; frequently there is a trace of albumin
and a few casts of the hyaline and granular kind. In the late stages the
albumin may be increased with high specific gravity and a less quantity of
urine. The disease often lasts for a year.
Treatment.--A quiet life without mental worry, with gentle but not
excessive exercise, and residence in a climate that is not changeable
should be recommended. A business man must give up his worry; his rush;
his hurried eating, and rest. The bowels should be kept regular; there
should be a tepid water bath daily, and the kidneys should be kept acting
freely by drinking daily a definite amount of either distilled water or
some pleasant mineral water. Alcohol, tobacco, excessive eating and
improper food must not be allowed. Weak tea and coffee may be allowed. The
diet should be light and nourishing. Meat should not be taken more than
once a day. If it is possible, the patient should be urged to move to a
warm equable climate during the winter months, from November to April,
like that of southern California. Medicines must be given to meet the
indications. No special directions can be given. The heart, stomach, and
bowels must be watched.
May Take:--
Fried fish, pork, corned beef, veal, heavy bread, hashes, stews,
battercakes, lamb, beef, mutton, gravies, peas, beans, pastry, ice cream,
cakes, coffee, tobacco, malt or spirituous liquors.
Diet.--Most persons over forty eat too much. One should take plenty of
time to eat, and not too much meat should be eaten.
Mix.
Give a dessertspoonful every four hours until all fever ceases and the
pulse is quiet. The patient should be kept quiet.
Treatment.--Wash out the bladder with pure warm water or water containing
about one to two teaspoonfuls of boric acid to the pint of warm water.
This should be given once or twice a day; or enough permanganate of potash
can be put into the water to give the water a tinge of the color. An
injection of golden seal, one teaspoonful to the pint of warm water, is
good if there is much mucus. The best way to give the irrigation is to
attach a small funnel to a soft rubber catheter and fill the bladder by
raising the funnel when full of water above the patient's belly; or you
can attach the rubber tube of a fountain syringe to a catheter at one end
and to a funnel at the other and raise the funnel to the desired height;
or you can attach a catheter to the rubber tube of a fountain syringe
(clean one) and raise syringe high enough to allow the water to run into
the bladder gently. The patient will stand just about so much water. The
rubber can then be detached from the catheter and the water allowed to run
out.
DISEASE OF THE PROSTATE GLAND. The prostate, which both in structure and
in function is rather a muscle than a gland, is situated at the neck of
the bladder and around the first inch of the urethra. It is divided into
two lateral (side) lobes (parts) by a deep notch behind and a furrow at
the upper and lower surfaces. The so-called middle or third lobe is the
portion which is between the two side lobes at the under and posterior
part of the gland, just beneath the neck of the bladder. The urethra (the
channel for the urine to pass through from the bladder out through the
penis) usually passes through the gland at about the junction of its upper
and middle third.
From Heart Disease.--In heart disease dropsy is due to a weak heart. The
heart is unable to supply the arteries with enough blood to maintain the
normal pressure, or to damming up of blood in the venous system as the
result of imperfect emptying of the heart cavities. In kidney trouble the
dropsy depends more on the lack of proper nourishing processes in the
capillary walls and upon changes in the blood and blood pressure. If the
kidneys are diseased, they may not be able to eliminate the proper amount
of liquids which accumulate and finally escape into the tissues. Liver
troubles cause dropsy by producing pressure upon the large blood-vessels
going to the liver, and consequently the fluid is generally confined to
the lower limbs and abdomen.
2. Dropsy, Wild Milkweed for.--"Steep the root of the wild milkweek and
drink the tea in doses of a wineglass three times a day. This is a sure
cure if taken in early stages."
3. Dropsy, White Bay Buds for.--"White bay buds steeped in water." The
white bay buds can be secured at any drug store, and are easily prepared.
Make a tea of these the same as you would make green tea for the table,
only stronger. Take several times a day. This is an excellent remedy.
6. Dropsy, Common Herb Remedy for.--"One gallon white beech bark, after
the rough bark is removed, good big handful of blackberry root, cut fine,
and also of sassafras root. Cover with cold water and steep to get the
strength; then strain. When cool, not cold, add one pint bakers' yeast and
one cup of sugar. Let it stand twenty-four hours in a warm place. Then
strain and set in a cool place. Take a wineglassful three times a day
before meals. This has been highly recommended to me by a friend in
Kalkaska, Michigan."
Mix into twenty pills and take one every five hours.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
INFECTION AND CONTAGION.--These words are often used in such a way that a
wrong impression is made. A disease may be infectious but not contagious.
Malaria is an instance. Infection means an ability to enter the body from
any source, wind, water, food or other persons and produce a
characteristic disease. The agency doing this is known as a germ.
Contagion is properly a poisoning of one individual from contact with a
diseased individual in some way known or unknown. It may be conveyed
indirectly through clothes, etc., or other person; but always comes from
some person sick with the same disease. Diseases may be both infectious
and contagious. Nearly all the epidemic diseases of infancy are both
infectious and contagious and accompanied by fever. In nursing children,
suffering from infectious diseases the mother or nurse should avoid their
breath and handle them as little as possible. All secretion from bowels
and kidneys should fall in a vessel containing a disinfecting solution of
Copperas, bichloride of mercury, etc., and should be emptied into the
sewer or buried. Following are the solutions as made. Copperas:--Put a
lump as big as a walnut in the chamber with one-half pint of water, to
receive feces, urine, sputum and vomited matter from infectious and
contagious patients.
Remains in the Room, how long?--It may remain for months in a room, and
extend over two years as recorded by Murchison. We do not yet know how the
poison obtains entrance to the body. Hence, the need for thorough
disinfection.
Age, Occurrence, Susceptibility.--All children exposed to the disease do
not contract the disease. It is less contagious than measles. A person who
is exposed once, and does not take it, may take it at a future exposure.
It occurs at any age and in all countries. It occurs oftener in autumn
(September) and winter (February). Isolated cases occur, and then it is
called sporadic. This disease attacks nursing children less frequently
than older children. It is not often seen during the first year of life.
How Often?--As a rule, it attacks a person only once; yet there are
recorded cases of well observed second and third attacks, but fortunately
these are very rare. I once attended a family where they had it and
claimed to have had it before, but very lightly.
Fever.--The fever rises rapidly in the first few hours to 104 or 105-8/10
degrees. It remains high except in the morning, until the eruption reaches
its full development and falls with the fading eruption, and in
uncomplicated and typical cases, within six days becomes normal.
Scaling.--As the disease subsides the outer layer of the skin dries and
peels off. The extent of this depends upon the severity of the attack. In
some cases the scaling is hardly perceptible, and sometimes it appears
only on certain parts, such as on the toes and inner parts of the thighs.
There is always some scaling. This is called "desquamation." Generally
speaking, scaling begins where the eruption first appeared on the upper
part of the chest and neck. The scales may be fine and branny or as is
most common, the skin peels in large particles. Some scaling is always
present. The length of the scaling time is variable. It usually lasts from
three to four weeks, but often longer. This stage is considered by many as
the most contagious, as the fine scales fly in the air.
From Measles.--By the rapid onset, absence of cold symptoms of the nose,
eyes, and bronchial tubes, blotchy eruptions that occur in measles. There
is no strawberry tongue in measles and no coughing at beginning.
Sanitary Care of Room and Patient.--If you are exposed to this disease
what can you do? If a child, it must be put in a room by itself. If
several children have been exposed they should be put in separate rooms.
These rooms should have no carpet, curtains, rugs, etc., or any
unnecessary furniture, for everything must be disinfected afterward, and
sometimes destroyed. The clothes worn just before the sickness should be
sterilized in steam or boiled and then aired in the sun. Anyone suffering
from sore throat who has been about the patient should not be allowed to
be near the healthy. All the children must be kept from school. It is well
for them to spray their throats with a simple cleansing solution morning
and night, with a full teaspoonful of boric acid to a glass full of warm
water; or you can use common salt, but not strong enough to irritate the
throat, about one teaspoonful to a glass of water. If you have listerine
or glyco-thymoline or any such disinfectant use them, one teaspoonful to
sixteen spoonfuls of water. Hot water itself is a very good gargle, very
healing and cleansing. Anyone who enters the sick room and comes out again
should wear a sheet all over him. On coming out, he or she should leave
this sheet outside the window of another room. If the person has a beard
he should wash his face with a 1 to 2000 solution of corrosive sublimate,
and the hands also, before leaving the sick room. The one who waits upon
the sick one should remain there, but everyone can not do so. They must
stay away from the healthy if possible.
City and State Supervision.--If you live in the city your physician should
notify the health board who will probably send someone to instruct you
regarding cautions and some cities have private rules, laws, etc., for
them to follow while under quarantine. A copy is usually furnished also to
your close neighbors. Also some of the state departments of health have
made up pamphlets which are circulated free on request dealing with the
sanitary science of infectious and contagious diseases. Some colleges use
these same pamphlets in their study of sanitary science. Much valuable
information is contained in them. Comparatively few people learn of these
pamphlets. For the benefit of those who have not read or seen them we
quote from their scarlet fever subjects as follows:
Children are in much greater danger of death from scarlet fever than are
adults; but adult persons often get and spread the disease, and sometimes
die from it. Mild cases in adults may cause fatal cases among children.
Unless your services are needed keep away from the disease yourself. If
you do visit a case, bathe yourself and change and disinfect your clothing
and hair, beard, if any, and hands before you go where there is a child.
Do not permit any person or thing or a dog or cat, or other animal to come
from a case of scarlet fever to a child. No cat or dog should be permitted
to enter the sick room.
Beware of any person who has sore throat. Do not kiss or come near to such
a person. Do not drink from the same cup, blow the same whistle, or put
his pen or pencil in your mouth. Whenever a child has sore throat and
fever, and especially when this is accompanied by a rash on the body, the
child and attendant should immediately be isolated until the physician has
seen it and determined whether it has scarlet fever. Strict quarantine
should be established and maintained throughout the course of the disease.
Exposed persons should be isolated until such time has elapsed as may
prove that they are not infected. The period of incubation, that is the
interval of time between exposure to the contagion of scarlet fever and
the first sign of the disease in the person so exposed, varies. In many
cases it appears in seven days, in some cases in fourteen days, and in
some cases twenty-one days; the average period is about nine days.
Quarantine of persons exposed should not be raised under four weeks.
Persons who are attending upon children or other persons suffering from
scarlet fever, and also the members of the patient's family, should not
mingle with other people nor permit the entrance of children into their
house.
All persons known to be sick with this disease (even those but mildly
sick) should be promptly and thoroughly isolated from the public and
family. In ordering the isolation of infected persons, the health officer
means that their communication with well persons and the movement of any
article from the infected room or premises shall be absolutely cut off.
The room in which one sick with this disease is to be placed should
previously be cleared of all needless clothing, drapery and other
materials likely to harbor the germs of the disease; and except after
thorough disinfection nothing already exposed to the contagion of the
disease should be moved from the room. The sick room should have only such
articles as are indispensable to the well-being of the patient, and should
have no carpet, or only pieces which can afterwards be destroyed.
Provision should be made for the introduction of a liberal supply of fresh
air and the continual change of the air in the room without sensible
currents or drafts.
Soiled clothing, towels, bed linen, etc., on removal from the patient
should not be carried about while dry; but should be placed in a pail or
tub covered with a five per cent solution of carbolic acid, six and
three-fourths ounces of carbolic acid to one gallon water. Soiled clothing
should in all cases be disinfected before sending away to the laundry,
either by boiling for at least half an hour or by soaking in the five per
cent solution of carbolic acid.
The discharges from the throat, nose, mouth, and from the kidneys and
bowels of the patient should be received into vessels containing an equal
volume of a five per cent solution of carbolic acid, and in cities where
sewers are used, thrown into the water closet; elsewhere the same should
be buried at least one hundred feet distant from any well, and should not
by any means be thrown into a running stream, nor into a cesspool or
privy, except after having been thoroughly disinfected. Discharges from
the bladder and bowels may be received on old cloths, which should be
immediately burned. All vessels should be kept scrupulously clean and
disinfected. Discharges from the nose, ears, etc., may be received on soft
rags or pieces of cloth and which should be immediately burned.
All cups, glasses, spoons, etc., used in the sick room, should at once on
removal from the room, be washed in the five per cent solution of carbolic
acid and afterwards in hot water, before being used by any other person.
Food and drink that have been in the sick room should be disinfected and
buried. It should not be put in the swill barrel.
Diet and Nursing.--Food should be given every two to four hours. Only
water can be given as long as there is nausea and vomiting, and sometimes
not even that. After they have stopped you can give milk and water and
then milk. You should give it to a child every two to three hours, about
one-fourth of a glass full and warm if possible. A child can take at least
one quart in twenty-four hours. Watch the stomach and bowels for bad
symptoms; if necessary you can put in one teaspoonful of lime water after
the milk has been heated. If the child will not take milk, use one of the
prepared foods. Mellins' malted milk, Borden's malted milk, peptonized
milk, Imperial Granum, and follow the directions on the bottle. The
different food waters mentioned above are to use when milk and other food
preparations cannot be given. Albumen (white of an egg and water, not
whipped) can be given and always cold. Cold milk also tastes better.
During the Sickness, etc.--The linen, bedding, etc., of the patient should
be put into a one to five-thousand solution of corrosive sublimate (you
can buy that strength tablet) before being boiled, dried and aired in the
sun. The sick room must be kept well ventilated, but no drafts should be
allowed to go over the patient. The temperature is better at 68 degrees F.
The patient should be kept in bed during all the feverish stage and during
the scaling stage also.
Care must be taken lest the patient take cold. During this time there is a
great danger of ear and kidney trouble. It would be safer to keep the
patient in bed until the peeling is done. Children are naturally lively,
risky, and a little careless. To keep the scales from flying you can
grease the patient with cold cream, vaselin, lard, etc. This will also
help to ease the itching. The peeling is aided by bathing the patient
every day with warm, soapy water.
During the vomiting stage very little water even can be given. The
greatest danger in scarlet fever comes from the throat complications and
the high fever.
When the fever is high the patient suffers from delirium. A temperature of
105 is dangerous and such patients must be bathed well in water,
commencing at 90 degrees and rubbed well all over while in the water,
allowing the temperature of the bath to fall to 85 or 80 degrees while so
doing; bath to last five to fifteen minutes. Bathe the head with water, at
the temperature of 50 degrees, all the time the temperature is at 103
degrees or higher. Always use the thermometer to determine the temperature
of the water. Weakly children often do not stand the bath well, so you
must exercise discretion in giving it often. The temperature must be kept
down to 102 to 103-1/2, and baths must be used often to do so. Where baths
cannot be used, frequent washing with water at 60 to 70 degrees must be
adopted without drying the child afterwards. A mother should always
remember that a feverish, restless child needs a bath or a good washing
with cool soap and water. If the bowels and kidneys do not act freely
enough give the following:
Dropsy in Scarlet Fever.--In this case you must have a doctor. A simple
way to make a dropsy patient sweat is to place the patient upon a cane
seated chair, pin a blanket around the neck, covering the whole body.
Under the chair place a wooden pail half full of cool water and into this
put a brick baked as hot as possible; or you can introduce steam under the
blanket while the patient is sitting on a chair, or lying in bed, taking
care not to scald the patient. This will cause sweating, and relieve the
dropsy and also congested kidneys.
How Soon May a Scarlet Fever Patient Associate with the Healthy?--It is
best to wait a few weeks after scaling ends. Give the patient a bath in a
one to 10,000 corrosive sublimate solution first.
Caution.--An ordinary case of scarlet fever does not need much medicine.
Nursing and care are essential. Even the slightest case should be watched.
There is always danger of the eyes, ears and kidneys becoming affected. If
the child complains of pain in the head the ear must be examined. If the
urine passed is small in quantity, or if there are any signs of dropsy,
treatment must be given at once. You have heard very much lately about the
sting of the honey bee for rheumatism. I often use a preparation of this
for the kidney troubles in scarlet fever. The name is Apis Mel. I use the
second or third homeopathic attenuation in tablet form and give one to two
about every two hours. I have found this effective in such cases where the
urine is small in quantity, and there is some dropsy. The lightest cases
can have dropsy, especially if special care is not taken when scaling goes
on.
I was once attending three children for scarlet fever. The one that had it
in a mild form became affected with dropsy. For this I steamed her. In her
case I placed her in a cane-seated chair, pinned a blanket tightly around
her so as to thoroughly cover her, put a pail of cool water under her
chair and dropped into the pail a hot baked brick. The hot brick caused
steam to rise from the water and enveloped the child, producing sweating.
This was done frequently, and the child considered it a joke, but it
relieved her of the bloat. It was in the country and these crude means
produced the desired result. By attaching a rubber tube to a steaming
kettle and introducing the steam under the covering the same result can be
produced. Sometimes you may not have all things you wish, then you must
make use of what is handy. You would be surprised perhaps to know how much
can be done to relieve sickness by what can be found in every house. (For
disinfectants see chapter on nursing.)
The eruptive stage generally lasts three or four days, during which time
the symptoms are all aggravated, especially by any strong light, on
account of the sore eyes for the measles are also in them. We have active
cold symptoms like sneezing, running at the nose, snorting, snuffling,
hawking. The cough is terribly severe, annoying, making the lungs and
stomach very sore. The head feels as if it would split. The patient holds
his chest and "stomach" while coughing. Symptoms of acute bronchitis
develop. Sometimes there is much diarrhea. Pneumonia often develops
through carelessness. The fever reaches its height when the eruption is
fully developed. The eruption fades after it has been out for three or
four days, and then all the symptoms decrease, the fever lessens and
becomes normal by gradual morning remissions. Scaling begins when the
pinkish hue of the rash has disappeared and continues until the last
vestige of reddish spots has disappeared. As a rule it is completed in two
to four weeks after the first eruption has appeared. Sometimes the scaling
is difficult to see, but it is never absent in measles: It is best seen on
the front part of the chest, shoulders, and the inner surface of the
thighs. The temperature may reach 104 to 105-8/10 without complications.
This description gives a picture of a typical case. The eruption that
appears in the mucous membrane of the mouth appears three to four days
before the skin rash. It is accompanied by redness of the pharynx and of
the front and back pillars of the fauces. The soft palate is studded with
irregular shaped, rose colored spots or streaks and the hard palate
presents small whitish vesicles. They are also found on the colored mucous
membrane of the cheeks and on that opposite the gums of the upper and
lower teeth. The rash of measles is a characteristic eruption of rose
colored or purple colored papules (pimples). As a rule the whole face is
covered with the eruption and is swollen. Diphtheria may complicate
measles. Bronchitis and brancho-pneumonia also may occur, especially if
the patient is careless and takes cold. Diarrhea is frequently present.
Paregoric 2 to 5 drops
Syrup Ipecac 3 drops
Mix.
Give every three hours, according to age, one to three hours for a child
two years old.
Diet.--The food should be light; milk, broths, and when the fever is gone
chicken and soft boiled eggs, jelly, toasted bread, crackers, cereals,
with cocoa for drink. Orange juice or lemon juice may be given in
moderation. Milk, one pint per day for every fifty pounds in weight of the
patient, during a fever sickness, is a safe and liberal allowance. Smaller
children in proportion. Mothers will be apt to give too much and it may
then prevent rest and steep. When the fever subsides you can give more
milk and some of the above foods. Water, as before stated, can be given
for the thirst quite frequently.
Teas.--The laity gives lots of these to bring out the rash. It seems to me
before the rash is out the patient is feverish and chilly and the skin is
dry, and a small amount of tea given every hour or two might do good
unless the patient is made warmer. There are many varieties given. Elder
blossom seems to have the call. For some time after the patient is well he
may be bothered with a cough; it better be looked after if it continues,
for there might be bronchitis or some lung trouble left and unknown.
Caution.--A person who has had the measles or German measles, should be
very careful about taking cold, for if they do they are liable to have
serious trouble, especially in the chest. It is very easy to take
bronchitis or pneumonia during and after an attack of measles. The mucous
membrane of these parts is left somewhat swollen and it remains
susceptible to disease for some time. "An ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure." Remain in the house three or four days longer than may
seem necessary and you will be paid for so doing by having good bronchial
tubes and lungs,--as good as before if you were careful during the attack.
MOTHER'S REMEDY.--1. Chicken Pox, Catnip Tea and Soda Water for.--"Put
the patient to bed and give catnip tea. A daily bath of saleratus water is
good and the bowels should be kept open." One of the most essential things
is to keep the patient warm.
The child should not pick the sores on his face, as this may cause delay
in healing and leave a mark.
Stage of the Decline.--In this stage the number and severity or the
paroxysms lessen. They may subside suddenly or gradually after four to
twelve weeks. The whoop may reappear at times. The cough may persist, more
or less, for weeks after the whoop is entirely gone.
Mortality is quoted as twenty-five per cent during the first year. Between
first and fifth year about five per cent, from fifth to tenth year about
one per cent. Rickets, or wasting disease (marasmus) and poor hygienic
surroundings makes the outlook less favorable.
Mix this.
This is one of the best remedies known to use for whooping cough. It has
been used for many years, and some of our best doctors use it in their
practice. I do not hesitate to recommend it as a splendid remedy."
Mix thoroughly and make up into thirty powders; for one year old one-half
a powder every two hours while awake or restless.
Mix and give one-half teaspoonful every two hours for a child one year
old. Shake bottle.
3. But the best treatment I know is the following: Go to any good drug
store and get a fifty-cent bottle of vapo-cresolene. Burn this, according
to the directions given on the bottle in the evening. Use a small granite
cup, put about one-third of an inch of the medicine in this, set cup on a
wire frame above a lamp, (can buy a regular lamp with the medicine) close
windows and let the child inhale the fumes. This will give the patient a
good night's sleep. I have used this for years, and know it is good and
effective. A tea made of chestnut leaves is said to be good, and is often
used as a home remedy. The leaves of the chestnut that we eat, not the
horse-chestnut.
Recovery.--Chances in mild cases are good. Antitoxin has brought the death
rate down from forty to twelve per cent. Death may occur from sudden heart
failure, obstruction in the pharynx, severe infection, complications or
paralysis.
3. Diphtheria, Hops and Hot Water Relieves.--"Make two flannel bags and
fill with hops which have been moistened with hot water; place bags in a
steamer and heat. Keep one bag hot and the other around the throat. Change
often, relief in short time." Mrs. Shaw has tried this in a case of
diphtheria and other throat trouble and recommends it as an excellent
remedy.
Diet.--The main food is milk, albumin water, broths, eggs given every two
hours. Some doctors give stimulants with the food.
Cautions.--Members of the family have no idea how much they can aid the
physician in this terrible disease. Pay particular attention to the
directions the doctor gives you, if you are doing the nursing, watch so
that you may detect any bad symptom, and immediately inform the physician.
A harsh cough with increased difficulty in breathing may mean that the
disease has extended to the larynx. If such symptoms are first noticed in
the physician's absence, he should be sent for at once so he can treat it
properly at the start. If the kidneys do not act properly he should be
informed. One may take nephritis in diphtheria also. I was called one
morning at 3 a. m., to see a case I was attending; she seemed to the
parents to be worse; she was, but today she is living, and I believe her
life was really saved by her parents. I would rather a loving mother and
father nurse a case any time than a selfish, lazy professional nurse. Good
nurses are a blessing; selfish ones are a curse; I have met both kinds.
After an attack of this disease the patient is left "weak" in many organs.
He should be careful, not only of taking cold, but of over-doing. The
heart and nervous system in some cases have been terribly wrecked. Take
life easy for some time, for you may be thankful that you are alive.
3. Salt Pork.--Salt pork, well salted and peppered, sewn to a cloth and
applied on both sides, if both are diseased, directly to the lumps is very
good. These can be kept on indefinitely. I have used them.
4. Liniment.--A strong blistering liniment applied externally where the
lumps are is also good. These applications tend to withdraw some of the
blood from the sore tonsils, and of course, that relieves them. There are
many such that can be used. Poultices should not be applied for this form
as they tend to hasten formation of pus.
7. Thyme.--You can make a tea of the common garden thyme and gargle or
rinse your mouth and throat with it every half to one hour. This is not
only healing and soothing, but it is also antiseptic. This is a
constituent of many of the antiseptic preparations.
10. MEDICINES. Parke, Davis & Co., Anti-Tonsilitis Tablet No. 645 is very
good. This can be bought at any drug store. For a child give one-half a
tablet every two hours for four doses, then every three hours. An adult
can take one to two every one to three hours according to the severity of
the case.
11. Aspirin.--Aspirin is another good remedy; five grains every four hours
for an adult; but used only under doctor's directions.
12. Dr. Hare of Philadelphia, uses 1/200 grain mercurius biniodide (pink
powder) every four to six hours to abort tonsilitis. I would recommend the
following:--Give one-tenth drop dose of a good tincture of aconite and
1/200 grain of the mercury biniodide (one to two tablets a dose) every
hour, alternately, one of them one hour and the next, etc. If there is
much deposit I would put ten tablets of mercury protoiodide (one-tenth of
a grain in a tablet) in one-half glass of water and give two teaspoonfuls
every hour until the bowels move freely, then every three to four hours.
The aconite can be used if there is much fever, with hot, dry skin,
alternately everyone-half hour. I prefer the pink powder when there is no
deposit or membrane. These I have used for years, and know them to be
excellent. For children the dose is about one-half. After twelve hours the
remedies should be given only every three to four hours.
QUINSY. (Suppurative Tonsilitis).--In from two to four days the enlarged
gland becomes softer and finally may break, sometimes in the pharynx; the
breaking gives the patient great relief. Suffocation has sometimes
followed the rupture of a large abscess and the entrance of the pus into
the larynx. This form of tonsilitis was formerly called quinsy. By this
term now is meant an abscess around the tonsils, (Peri-tonsilar abscess).
The structures are very much swollen.
Causes are somewhat similar to what has produced the regular tonsilitis.
It may follow exposure to cold and wet, and is very liable to recur. It is
most common between fourteen and twenty-five years. The inflammation here
is more deeply seated. It involves the main tissue of the tonsil and tends
to go on to suppuration.
3. Quinsy, Plaster of Lard and Salt for.--"Take one tablespoonful lard and
stir into as much table salt as possible making it about like mortar.
Spread on a cloth and apply." Splendid for sore throat and quinsy.
5. Quinsy, Quick Remedy for.--"In severe cases of quinsy where the tonsils
are inflamed and almost meet, a third of a grain of mercury and chalk, or
"gray powder," acts very quickly. Cold compresses used nightly to harden
the throat is very good. At night use a gargle made of a teaspoonful
tincture of cayenne pepper to half pint of water." This remedy is very
good and is sure to give relief.
7. Quinsy, Kerosene Good for.--"A cloth wet with kerosene oil applied to
the throat is very good; also gargling with kerosene oil." Repeat the
application of the wet cloths every two or three hours.
8. Quinsy, Raw Beef Has Cured.--"Bind raw beefsteak over the tonsils on
one or both sides of the throat as required." The beefsteak acts as a
poultice and counter-irritant, drawing the inflammation out in a short
time. This is very good, and is easily prepared.
The parts are still tender and in danger of a return upon the least error
in your daily life. I once had a friend who had a return of tonsilitis
brought on through going out too soon, and the second attack was worse
than the first, a genuine "hummer."
The Onset.--The onset may be from one to four days and is usually sudden
with a chill and all the symptoms of an active fever due to a general
infection, varying according to the location. If in the organs of
respiration it begins like a severe cold; active fever, severe pains in
the eyes, back, arms, legs, and in the bones; "aches all over" and great
prostration. After the fever subsides there is usually a general sore
feeling. Symptoms of bronchitis, pleurisy or pneumonia may develop. Then
there is the nervous type, generally with a bad headache, neuralgia, pains
in the head, backache, legs and arms ache and prostration. May also have
inflammation of nerves. Then again the stomach and bowels may be the main
seat, for La Grippe has no respect for any organ. We have then symptoms of
acute indigestion with fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains or acute
bowel trouble with fever, colicky pain in the abdomen; diarrhea; or we may
have the febrile (fever) type. This may be the only symptom. The fever may
be continuous or remittent, and last several days or several weeks and
often with pains accompanying it.
Add two quarts of water and boil down to three pints; strain, and then add
one ounce fluid extract of ginger; sweeten with honey or syrup; take a
wine glassful three times a day, hot. Keep the bowels open and let the
diet be light."
Corn Sweat.--The corn sweat can be used. Put from ten to twenty-five ears
of corn in a boiler, boil thoroughly until the boiled corn smell appears,
then put the corn ears into five packs, putting from two to five ears in a
pack, according to the age of the patient. Use cloths or towels, but do
not put the ears in contact, wrap the cloth between them. Put one pack to
the feet and one at each side of the hips, and in each armpit. This will
soon cause sweating and restore the external (capillary) circulation. It
will generally produce a grateful sweat. Keep the clothes on the patient.
After the patient has perspired enough you can remove one pack at a time.
Have fresh aired sheets and night dress ready, and after bathing the
patient slowly and carefully under the clothes with tepid water and drying
all of the body put on the new night-dress and sheets. This remedy is also
good for colds and inflammatory diseases of all kinds and when used
carefully and thoroughly is always good. Of course, if there is great
weakness it cannot be used, for it weakens a patient somewhat. I have
saved lives with this sweat, and I know I have cut short many colds and
inflammatory diseases. After the sweat the patient should have enough
covering to keep comfortably warm and care must be taken to keep from the
cold.
Fever.--If the disease goes on and there is high fever, so that the
patient suffers from it, it is better to reduce it by cool sponging than
by the coal tar products like antipyrin, acetanilid, etc. They are
weakening and this is a weakening, prostrating disease. Good, careful cool
sponging generally relieves the excessive fever and restlessness. The
fever does not continue so long in this disease and it is not, therefore,
so harmful. Delirium is present in some cases when the fever is not high.
Irritating Cough.--This can frequently he controlled by steam inhalations
as directed under tonsilitis. You can also put in the steaming water one
teaspoonful to one tablespoonful of compound tincture of benzoin for this
disease. Hoarhound tea can be put in the water and the steam inhaled. If
such measures do not stop the cough, medicine will be needed.
Sore Throat.--Spraying the throat with a solution of boric acid, one dram
to one pint of hot water, is good. Listerine is good in the same way and
dose.
Bowels.--They should be kept open from the first. Salts are usually handy
and good.
Aspirin in five-grain doses for an adult every four hours is given very
much now. The bowels should be kept open with salts.
Time.--It occurs most frequently between August and November and in those
of from fifteen to twenty years of age. The Peyer's patches and solitary
glands of the bowel enlarge, become reddish and are somewhat raised. These
go on and ulcerate until the blood vessels may be eaten into and bleeding
sometimes results, it eats through the bowel, then there is perforation
and peritonitis. The spleen is enlarged, the liver shows changes, the
kidney functions are also deranged.
First Week.--After the patient is obliged to take to his bed: During the
first week there is in some cases a steady rise in the fever each evening
showing a degree or degree and one-half higher than the preceding evening,
reaching 103 to 104, and each morning showing higher fever than the
preceding morning. The pulse is characteristically low in proportion to
the temperature, being about 100 to 110, full of low tension, often having
double beat. The tongue is coated; there is constipation or diarrhea; the
abdomen is somewhat distended and a little tender to the touch in the
lower right portion. There may be some mental confusion at night.
Bronchitis is often present. The spleen becomes enlarged between the
seventh and tenth day and the eruption usually appears during this period
on the stomach and abdomen.
Second week.--All the symptoms are intensified in the second week, the
fever is always high and the weakening type; the pulse is more frequent;
the headache is replaced by dullness; the bowel symptoms increase and we
have the "pea soup" discharge if there is diarrhea; there is a listless,
dull expression on the face; the tongue is coated in the center, red along
the edges and the tip, becomes dry and sometimes cracked and almost
useless. It is hard to put it out of the mouth, it sticks to the teeth or
lips and curls there, and sometimes the patient allows it to remain partly
out of the mouth. There may be bleeding from the bowels and perforation of
the bowel, producing peritonitis.
Walking type.--In this type the patient is able to be around and can walk.
The temperature is as high, but some of the other symptoms are not so
violent. This is a dangerous kind because the patient is able to walk and
thinks it foolish to remain quiet in bed. Walking and being around are
likely to injure the bowels, and there is then more danger of bleeding
from the bowels. A typhoid fever patient should always go to bed and
remain there until he has fully recovered.
TREATMENT. Prevention. Sanitary Care.--Do away with the causes. Keep your
cellars clean; do not have them damp, filthy, and filled with decaying
matter, as these all tend to weaken the system and make you more
susceptible to the poison. In the country, no drainings should come near
the wells or springs. Not all water that looks clear and nice is pure. The
"out-houses" must be kept clean, and emptied at least twice each year. In
the small cities, especially, the water should be boiled during the months
when the supply is limited and the wells are low. If more attention was
paid to our water supply to make certain that it was not contaminated, and
to our foods, especially milk, and to keeping our cellars and drains in a
good clean and dry condition, we would have little typhoid fever.
Carelessness is the real cause of this terrible disease. The milk should
be boiled as well as the water when there is an epidemic of typhoid.
Much of the above on typhoid is from the world-wide authority, Dr. Osler,
and should be-followed in all cases if possible.
Diet and Nursing in Typhoid Fever.--Milk is the most suitable food. Three
pints every twenty-four hours may be given when used alone, diluted with
water or lime-water.
The stools will show if the milk is digested. Peptonized milk, if not
distasteful, may be used. Curds are seen in the stools if too much milk is
given and is undigested. Mutton or chicken broth or beef juice can be
used; fresh vegetable juices can be added to these, instead of milk. The
animal broths are not so good when diarrhea is present. Some patients will
take whey, buttermilk, kumiss, when ordinary milk is distasteful. Thin
barley gruel well strained is an excellent food for this disease. Eggs may
be given, either beaten up in milk or better still, in the form of albumin
water, This is prepared by straining the whites of eggs through a cloth
and mixing them with an equal quantity of water, which may be flavored
with lemon. Water can be given freely; iced tea, barley water, or lemonade
may be used, and there is no objection to weak coffee or cocoa in moderate
quantities. Feed the patient at stated intervals. In mild cases it is well
not to arouse the patient at night. When there is stupor, the patient
should be aroused for food at the regular intervals night and day. Do not
give too much food. I once had a case in which I did not give more than
one quart of liquid food in four weeks, as it distressed her. She made a
good recovery on plenty of water.
Cold Sponging.--The water may be warm, cool, or ice cold, according to the
height of the fever. A thorough sponge bath should take from fifteen to
twenty minutes. The ice cold sponging is quite as formidable as the full
cold bath, for which there is an unsuperable objection in private
practice.
The Bath.--This should be given under the doctor's directions, and I will
not describe it.
Medical Treatment.--Little medicine is used in hospital practice. Nursing
is the important essential in typhoid fever.
These are some things you need to do: Look out for bad symptoms; twitching
of the tendons, grasping at imaginary things are bad symptoms. Inform the
doctor and soon. Never allow the patient to sit up in bed. The stool must
be passed lying flat and you must place the bed pan without the patient's
aid. Bleeding may be started by the least exertion. I knew of one woman
who lost her life through necessity of getting up and passing the stool
sitting on a chamber. Bleeding came on suddenly, and before the doctor
could get there she was nearly gone. Cough and sudden pain in the lungs
need prompt attention. I dismissed a boy on one Wednesday as convalescent.
That night it became suddenly cold and he became chilled. The mother sent
for me the next day, and we pulled him through pneumonia. Suppose she had
waited another day? She was not that kind of a mother. Your greatest trial
will come in convalescence, when the patient is so hungry. Be careful or
you will kill the patient by kindness. A minister I knew killed himself by
going against the doctor's orders and eating a hearty dinner. The doctor
was rather profane, and when he went to see the preacher, after the
relapse caused by the dinner, he relieved his mind in no gentle manner.
Again allow no visitors in the sick room or one adjacent. They are an
abomination. Many people are killed by well-intentioned ignoramuses. Do
not whisper; the Lord save the patient who has a whisperer for a nurse. I
cannot urge too strongly proper nursing in this disease. It is an absolute
necessity. A nurse to be successful must have good sense and also must
obey all directions. A diet is a necessity in this disease. The patient
must not move any more than is absolutely necessary for his comfort. He
must never try to help move himself. The muscles of the abdomen must
remain lax and quiet. The danger, I think, is in the bowels. The mucous
covering in the interior is inflamed and ulcerated, and there is always
some danger of the ulceration eating through the coating into the blood
vessels, causing more or less bleeding and even eating the bowel enough to
cause an opening (perforation) and the escape of the bowel contents into
the abdominal cavity causing inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis)
and almost certain death. Walking typhoid is dangerous for that reason.
The food must be of such nature that it is all digested. It must not leave
lumps to press upon the sore places in the bowels causing more trouble
there and more diarrhea.
Fever.--Sudden onset to even 104 to 105 degrees; steady rise for four or
five days with slight morning remissions; terminating by crisis on the
twelfth to fourteenth day, falling in some cases below normal; in fatal
cases there is a rapid rise to 108 or 109 degrees. The eruption appears on
the abdomen on the third to fifth day.
Symptoms of fever diminish with the appearance of the rash, which is most
marked on the face and ripens first there. The papules become hollowed
vesicles and a clear fluid fills them on the fifth or sixth day. They fill
with pus about the eighth day, and their summits become globular, while
the surrounding skin is red, swollen and painful. The general bodily
symptoms again return and the temperature rises for about twenty-four
hours. Drying of the eruption begins the tenth or eleventh day. The
pustules dry, forming crusts, while the swelling of the skin disappears
and the temperature gradually falls. The crusts fall off, leaving scars
only where the true skin has been destroyed.
Confluent form.--All the symptoms are more severe. The eruption runs
together and all the skin is covered.
Diet.--Give the supporting diet early. During the first stage give milk,
broths of different kinds, albumin water. Relieve the intense thirst by
water and lemonade. When the first (initial) fever subsides and the
patient feels improved, give milk, eggs, chops, steak, or rare roast meat,
bread or toast; vegetables, such as potato, spinach, celery, asparagus
tips, cauliflower tops. When the second fever returns go back to the
liquid diet again, and give regularly and as much as possible every two or
three hours during the day, and every three or four hours during the
night. Milk, plain or peptonized; milk punch, raw eggs, broths, beef
juice. If swallowing is difficult, give food cold and oftener, and in less
quantity. Increase the diet rapidly during convalescence.
Cold drinks should be freely given. Barley water and oatmeal water are
nutritious and palatable. Milk broths, and articles that give no trouble
to digest.
Nursing.--Nursing is the main thing. The bowels should be kept open with
salts. There is no special medicine we can claim will do good. Aconite may
be used for the fever at first, in drop doses every hour for twenty-four
hours. But the least medicine that is given the better it will generally
be.
There is, I believe, something in protecting the ripening papules from the
light. The constant application on the face and hands of lint soaked in
cold water, to which antiseptics such as carbolic acid or bichloride may
be added, is perhaps the most suitable treatment. It is very pleasant for
the patient at least, and for the face it is well to make a mask of lint
which can be covered with oiled silk. When the crusts begin to form, the
chief point is to keep them thoroughly moist, which may be done with oil
or glycerin; vaselin is particularly useful, and at this stage can be
freely used upon the face. It frequently relieves the itching also. For
the odor, which is sometimes so characteristic and disagreeable, the
diluted carbolic acid solutions are probably the best. If the eruption is
abundant on the scalp the hair should be cut short. During, convalescence
frequent bathing is advisable. It should be done daily, using carbolic
soap freely in order to get rid of the crusts and scabs. There is danger
to others as long as the skin is not smooth and clean, and not free from
any trace of scabs. As you must have a physician, I give but little
medical treatment. Nursing is the main thing in this disease.
Hands, Body, etc.--Special outer garments may be worn while in the sick
room and removed, and clothing aired before leaving. Hands of the
attendant should be washed in one to one thousand corrosive sublimate
solution.
In Sweden, the average number of deaths in each year from smallpox per
million inhabitants was:
Who should be Vaccinated.--Everybody, old and young, for his own interest,
and that he may not become a breeding place for the distribution of
smallpox to others, should seek that protection from smallpox which is
afforded by vaccination alone. It is believed that all persons except
those mentioned in the following paragraph may, if the operation is
properly performed, at the proper time, and with pure bovine virus, be
vaccinated with perfect safety to themselves. Even those who have had
smallpox should be vaccinated, for otherwise they may take the disease;
and it seems to be proved that a larger proportion, of those who have
smallpox a second time, die than of those who have the disease after
vaccination.
Reliable lymph points should always be used. Clean the skin near the
insertion of the deltoid muscle on the arm, and with a clean (sterile)
knife or ivory point, a few scratches are made, deep enough to allow a
slight flow of liquid, but no bleeding. The vaccine virus moistened, if
dried on a point, is rubbed into the wound and allowed to dry. A piece of
sterile gauze, or a "shield," is used as a dressing. This shield can be
bought at any drug store. One vaccination may give immunity for ten to
twelve years, but it is better to be vaccinated every six years at least.
Of late years great progress has been made by patient investigation, and a
serum is now prepared for the treatment of this disease. The results of
this treatment are better than the treatments formerly used, and there is
good reason to believe that in a few years this treatment will be as
effective in this disease as antitoxin is in diphtheria.
Indians, negroes and Irish are very susceptible. The disease is less
common at great altitudes. Dark, poorly ventilated rooms, such as
tenements and factories and the crowding of cities favors infection, as do
in-door life and occupations in which dust must be inhaled. Certain
infections such as measles, whooping-cough, chronic heart, kidney and
liver diseases and inflammation of the air tract are predisposing factors.
Inhalation is the chief mode of transmission. Hereditary transmission is
rare.
3. Tuberculous Pleurisy.
4. Tuberculous Pericarditis.
Heat this until a perfect solution is obtained, then add twenty-five parts
cognac and three parts of watery extract of opium which has been dissolved
in twenty-five parts of water filtered. Dose:--At first take six drops
after dinner and supper, gradually increasing to twenty-two drops. Mild
cases are cured in two months, but the severe cases may require a year or
two. This treatment should be given under the care of a physician, as it
is poisonous and needs close watching.
The chances of infection are greatest in young children. The nursing and
care of consumptives involves very slight risks indeed, if proper
precautions are taken.
Must Not Take.--Fried foods, salt fish, hashes, gravies, veal, pork,
carrots, parsnips, cabbage, beets, turnips, cucumbers, macaroni,
spaghetti, sweets, pies, pastry, sweet wines.
The germ causing tuberculosis leaves the body of the person who has the
disease by means of the discharges; by the sputum coughed up from the
lungs, by nasal discharge, by bowel excrement, by urine, by abscesses.
Impure milk, that is, milk from a tuberculous cow or milk exposed to
infected dust is a common source of tuberculosis. Milk from suspected
sources should be boiled. The all-important thing to do to prevent
tuberculosis from spreading from one person to another, and from one part
of the body to another, is immediately to destroy all discharges from the
body of a person who has tuberculosis.
No person, well or sick, should spit in public places or where the sputum
cannot be collected and destroyed.
Flies carry sputum and its infection to food, to your hands, your face,
clothes, the baby's bottle, from which the germs are taken into the mouth,
and thus gain access to the stomach or lungs.
Spitting on the sidewalk, on the floor, on the wall, on the grass, in the
gutter, or even into a cuspidor containing no disinfectant is a very
dangerous practice for a consumptive to indulge.
The person infected with tuberculosis should protect himself, his family,
his associates and the public by not spitting in public places, and by
promptly destroying all discharges.
The well person should defend himself by insisting that the tuberculous
person shall destroy all discharges.
Well persons should set the example of restraint and themselves refrain
from spitting promiscuously. A person may appear quite healthy and yet be
developing tuberculosis without knowing it.
Do not sleep with a person who has tuberculosis, nor in the room occupied
by a tuberculous person, until that room has been thoroughly disinfected.
Any person having tuberculosis can recover from the disease if he takes
the proper course in time.
Advanced cases of tuberculosis, that is, those cases where the disease is
well developed, are the most dangerous to the public and the most
difficult to cure.
Sanatoria offers the best chance, usually the only chance, of cure to an
advanced case.
They also protect well citizens from danger of infection from advanced
stages of tuberculosis. There are fewer deaths from tuberculosis in those
localities where sanatoria are established for the care of tuberculous
persons.
One person out of every seven who die, dies from tuberculosis.
Homes and school-houses greatly need more fresh air supplied to their
occupants.
Day camps are city parks, vacant lots or abandoned farms where the
tuberculous persons of a community may go and spend the entire day in
rest, receiving instructions in proper hygiene and skillful treatment.
Such camps are supplied with tents, hammocks, reclining chairs, one or
more nurses, milk, eggs and other nourishment.
Every locality should establish and maintain a dispensary for the benefit
of tuberculous persons; for their instruction how to prevent the disease
from spreading, and how to conduct themselves to insure relief and cure.
Give the freedom of a well person to the tuberculous who is instructed and
conscientious in the observance of necessary precautions. Be very much
afraid of the tuberculous person who is ignorant or careless in the
observance of necessary precautions.
The air does not get into such cells and they fill, with many others, and
make that section solid. When the patient is improving he keeps on
spitting this up, until all is out and the air cells resume their normal
work. Sometimes they remain so and we have chronic pneumonia.
Rub this ointment on throat or lungs and apply a flannel over it. Heat it
through thoroughly with hot cloths. If used thoroughly and the cold is
taken in time will prevent pneumonia.
The beeswax forms sort of a coating and may remain on for several hours.
Fomentations.--Cloths wrung out of hot hop tea are often applied to the
affected part with good effect. Be careful about wetting the patient.
Flaxseed poultices are used.
If used they must be moist and hot. Some doctors are opposed to them. An
antiphlogistine poultice is good. Apply it hot. For children you can
grease the whole side of the chest, back and front, with camphor and lard
and put over that an absorbent cotton jacket. In the early life of the
country, home treatment was necessary. Men and women were posted on herbs,
etc. Teas made of them were freely and successfully used. A great mistake
made was the indiscriminate use of lobelia in too large doses. We have
learned that the hot herb drinks in proper doses are of help. Teas made of
boneset, hoarhound, pennyroyal, ginger, catnip, hops, slippery elm, etc.,
were good and are now. They produced the desired result--sweating--and
relieved the congestion of the internal organs and re-established the
external or (peripheral) circulation. So in the home treatment of
pneumonia, etc., if you are so situated that you cannot get a physician
use teas internally for sweating, fomentations upon the painful part and
if done properly and not too excessively, they will accomplish the desired
result. With the corn sweat, I have saved many lives.
Symptoms.--The type that appears upon the face is the most common. The
incubation lasts from three to seven days and it usually comes suddenly
with a chill, followed by an active fever and with the local inflammation.
In some cases the local condition appears first. There is at first
redness, usually of the bridge of the nose and it rapidly spreads to the
cheeks, eyes, ears, etc. It is red, shiny hot, drawing, but with a
distinct margin at its edges, showing how much skin is inflamed. It may
take the form of vesicles. The eyelids may be so swollen as to close, the
face and scalp greatly swollen with watery swelling of the eyelids, lips,
eyes, ears, etc. The glands under the jaw may become enlarged. The general
or constitutional symptoms may be severe. The fever may rise to 104 to 106
and terminates suddenly. The parts that were first affected become pale
and more normal, as other parts are involved. It occurs also on other
parts of the body. A sting of an insect sometimes looks like it at first;
but it does not spread like erysipelas. It seems to me to be more
dangerous around the head.
Diet.--Milk, broths, etc., liquid diet or foods. (See Nursing Dept. under
liquid diet.)
Nursing.--When you nurse any infectious patient, you must be not only
careful of your patient, but of yourself. It is not necessary in order to
do good nursing to endanger yourself; and a nurse who does not know how to
care for herself, cannot successfully nurse the sick. In erysipelas I
always watch the eruption closely. Sometimes it recedes, and the patient,
of course, is worse. Then there are some people who believe in "pow-
wowing." They have that done and then do not take care of themselves. I
have attended such cases. One case was especially striking. The "pow-wow"
person did his work and then the patient thought himself well and
proceeded to enjoy himself and caught cold. The result was the "going in"
of the eruption and a beautiful cough. I succeeded in my efforts and the
next day he had the erysipelas going along nicely, but no cough. I write
this so you will take proper care of yourself and shun conjurers and their
"pow-wow."
Symptoms.--They are local at first where the lesion is. The invasion of
the general infection is marked by a severe chill, then high fever and
sweating, repeated daily or at irregular intervals.
Fever is variable with sudden falls. In some cases the fever assumes very
weakening type and the patient looks like a case of typhoid fever in the
third week, and death soon occurs.
In other cases the chills, fever and sweating are repeated at irregular
intervals. The patients are emaciated and the skin has a sallow color.
Death usually occurs eventually from exhaustion in a few days or months.
The prognosis is worse in infancy, old age and debilitated persons, and in
cases of rapid collapse, low temperature and great blueness. Death rate
from thirty to eighty per cent.
For vomiting.--Wash out the stomach and give cocaine, ice, coffee, brandy
or water by the mouth. Intestines may be irrigated with a two per cent
solution of tannic acid.
Bubonic Type.--In this type the lymph nodes, particularly in the arm-pit,
and groins show inflammatory lesions with marked overgrowth of new tissue.
Sometimes there is suppuration, hemorrhage and local death of the part.
The bacilli are formed in great numbers in the affected nodes and
secondary lesions.
Septicemic Type.--In this type all lymph nodes and nodules show signs of
toxemia and the bacilli are formed in the primary (first) lesions and in
the blood.
Symptoms.--In the bubonic plague (the usual form) the invasion is marked
by headache, depression, pain in the back, stiffness of the extremities
and fever. This rises for three or four days, then falls several degrees
and is followed by a more severe secondary fever of the prostrating type.
At about the third to the fifth day the lymph nodes usually become
enlarged most often in the inguinal (groin) region. This is followed by a
resolution (getting better) suppuration forming pus or necrosis (local
death of the part). "A flea bite looking eruption and hemorrhages from the
mucous membrane often occur. The mild cases, which often occur at the
beginning of an epidemic, and at its close, are marked only by slight
fever and glandular swelling, which may terminate in the forming of pus in
the part. In these cases the symptoms are slight and last only a few
days."
For pain, morphine; for weakness, stimulation; for fever, bathing; for
buboes, application of ice, injection of bichloride and excision have been
advised.
3. Dysentery, "Colt Tail" Remedy for.--"The herb called "Colt Tail," steep
and drink the tea. It's a tall weed and grows in damp places. It is one of
the best herbs for this." This is especially good when the discharge from
the bowels is bloody or contains mucus.
5. Dysentery, Herb Remedy for.--"Take four ounces poplar bark, four ounces
bayberry bark and three ounces tormentil root, simmer gently in four
quarts of water, down to three, strain and add two pounds granulated
sugar; let it come to boiling point, skim and add one-half pound
blackberry or peach jelly and one-half pint best brandy. Keep in a cool
place, take one-half wineglassful three or four times a day or more often
if required."
6. Dysentery, New Method to Cure.--"A hot hip bath will often relieve
distressing sensations of dysentery or itching piles." This is a very
simple remedy and will have a very soothing effect upon the whole system,
relieving any nervousness that may be present and usually is with this
disease.
Nursing and Diet.--The patient should always remain in bed and use
bed-pan. He must be given a bland, unirritating diet, composed of milk,
with lime-water, beef peptonoids, broth, egg albumin, etc., in acute
cases.
Causes.--It occurs most frequently in low lands, along sea coasts, and
swamps, particularly in the tropics and warmer portion of the temperate
zone. The exciting cause it what is called the plasmodous malarial, a
parasite developing in the body of all species of anopheles, a common form
of mosquito and transmitted to man, its intermediate host, by the bite of
the infected mosquitoes.
(b) The algid or asthenic form begins with vomiting and great prostration.
The temperature is normal or below normal. There may be diarrhea and
suppression of the urine.
AGUE. (See Malarial Fever.)--By ague is meant the cold chills and fever;
or dumb ague where there is little chill, mostly chilly and fever. These
attacks may come on every day, every other day, or every third day.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Ague and Fever, Dogwood Good for.--"Take one ounce
of dogwood root and one quart of water. Make an infusion by boiling down
to one-half pint. Strain and give one-half wineglassful every two or three
hours."
3. Ague, Simple Remedy for.--"Give purgative and follow with quinine. Give
large 4 grain capsule every four hours.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chills and Fever, Peruvian Bark and Rhubarb for.--
Mix.
It is well always to see that the bowels and liver are active before
taking quinine. The medicine acts better when the patient remains quiet in
bed. If the chill and fever comes on every day, the quinine should be
taken every hour between the paroxysms.
2. Chronic Glanders.--This may last for months. It acts like chronic cold
with ulcer in the nose. Some recover.
This disease is widespread among cattle, and also occurs in the pig. In
the ox it is called the "big jaw." The infection may be taken in with the
food, and it locates itself often in the mouth or surroundings. Oats,
barley, and rye may carry the germ to the animals. The fungus may be found
even in decayed teeth.
Alimentary Canal Type.--The jaw has been affected in man. One side of the
face is swollen or there may be a chronic enlargement of the jaw, which
may look like a sarcoma (tumor). The tongue also is sometimes affected and
shows small growths. It may also occur in the intestines and liver. There
is at first a tumor (lump), and this finally suppurates.
The Skin.--There may be chronic suppurating ulcers of the skin and the
"ray fungus" can be found in them.
Treatment.--It may be cured perhaps in a short time, and yet no one can be
certain of its absolute cure. This disease is better understood now, and
the treatment is entirely different from formerly. The strong injections
are now considered not only useless but dangerous to the future health of
the patient. The best treatment is mild antiseptic injections, irrigation
carefully done by an expert person; remaining quietly in bed, being
careful to use food and drink that are not stimulating, keeping the bowels
open by proper diet and mild laxatives and the urine mild by soothing
diuretic remedies. Unfortunately those affected want quick work and they
get it, frequently to their future sorrow. The following are good
injections. Before each injection the urine should be passed and an
injection of an antiseptic like listerine, etc., one dram to an ounce of
boiled water, to cleanse the canal. You can use twice a day the following:
Use one dram of this for each injection. It stains the clothes so you must
be careful. This is good and healing.
Symptoms.--Variable joint pains may be the only one. The attack may
resemble an acute articular rheumatism of one joint, or a subacute
rheumatism of one or more.
Treatment.--Keep the joint quiet and you can use an ice cap for the pain.
Tonic treatment with quinine, iron, and arsenic in chronic cases is
needed. The joints should be kept at rest in acute cases. In chronic cases
massage and slight motion. The tonics must be chosen for each individual
case. One afflicted with this must be under treatment for a long time.
Neisser states this: "The number of lepers in any country bears an inverse
ratio to the laws executed for the care and isolation of infected persons.
The disease appears to spread more rapidly in damp and cold, or warm and
moist, climates than in temperate countries. It is not now regarded as
contagious. The leprosy of the book of Leviticus not only includes lepra,
as that term is understood today, but also psoriasis, scabies and other
skin affections," The leper, in the eye of the Mosaic law, was
ceremoniously unclean, and capable of communicating a ceremonial
uncleanness. Several of the narratives contained in the Bible bear witness
to the fact that the Oriental leper was seen occasionally doing service in
the courts of kings, and even in personal communication and contact with
officers of high rank.
After a period ranging from weeks to years, tubercles rise from the spots
described, varying in size from a pea to that of a nut, and they may be as
large as a tomato. They are in color, yellowish, reddish-brown, or
bronzed, often shining as if varnished or oiled, are covered with a soft,
natural, or slightly scaling outer skin, roundish or irregular in shape
and are isolated or grouped numbers of very small and ill-determined
nodules may often be seen by careful examination of the skin in the
vicinity of those that are developed. They may run together and cause
broad infiltrations and from this surface new nodules spring. They may be
in the skin or under the skin and feel soft or firm. The eruption of these
tubercles is usually preceded at the onset by fever, as well as by puffy
swelling of the involved region, eyelids, ears, etc. These leprous
tubercles choose the face as their favored site. They mass here in great
numbers, and thus produce the characteristic deformity of the countenance
that has given to the disease one of its names, Leontiasis (lion face).
Toward the last the mutilations effected by the disease may result. Parts
of the fingers or toes, whole fingers or toes, and entire hand or foot may
become wholly or partially detached by the ulcerative and other
degenerations. This stage of this type of the disease may extend through
ten or more years. After it has fully developed the dejected countenance
of the leper, with his leonine expression and general appearance is highly
characteristic.
The incubation, or the time it takes for the disease to develop, varies,
but usually is from three to six months. There is a recorded case where
the person began to show symptoms of the disease thirteen days after
having received a severe wound on the head. The incubation period is
seldom longer than six months. The symptoms of the disease in the human
being vary within narrow limits. There are three classic symptoms usually
encountered, and these are fear, apprehension or excitement, together with
deglutitory (swallowing) spasms, terminating in general paralysis. The
patient remains conscious of his agony to the end, but the period of
illness is of short duration, lasting from one to three days.
The bites of rabid dogs cause ninety per cent of the cases in man and
animals. The cat is the next important factor in spreading the disease and
about six per cent of the cases are caused by this animal. For other cases
four per cent come from bites of horses, wolves, foxes, etc. The wolf in
Russia, or other animals like it, may be the chief cause there; but dogs
cause ninety per cent, taking all the cases found. Man, dog, cat, horse,
cattle, sheep, goat, hog, deer, etc., are subject to the disease either
naturally or experimentally. The disease is confined commonly to dogs,
because the dog naturally attacks animals of his own species and thus
keeps the disease limited mainly to his own kind. Naturally the dog
follows this rule, but on the other hand, in the latter stages of the
disease he usually goes to the other extreme and even attacks his own
master, etc. The dogs that are the most dangerous and do the greatest
damage are of the vicious breeds.
The director of one Pasteur Institute says, "We have two classes of
patients to deal with in the Pasteur institute. The larger class, of
course, are those inoculated by the bite of rabid animals, but we also
have a few who are infected by the rabid saliva accidentally coming in
contact with wounds already produced. In these accidental eases the
disease is almost as likely to result as in those to whom the virus is
directly communicated by the bite." The wounds considered most dangerous
are the recent fresh wounds. The possibility of infection decreases with
the formation of the new connective tissue which protects the ends of the
broken nerve fibres. One must remember, however, that wounds over joints,
especially on the hands, are likely to remain open for some time. A dog
ill of this disease can give the disease to man through licking a wound.
Such a case has been recorded. This dog licked the child's hands before it
was known to be mad. The child died from the disease. As stated before
ninety per cent of the cases are inoculated by the bites of rabid animals.
Where rigid quarantine rules exist the disease does not occur. In
Australia they quarantine every dog, that comes to that country, for six
months, and in consequence they have never had a case of rabies. In Russia
they have had many cases. In Constantinople the disease frequently "runs
riot." France has lost as many as 2,500 dogs in one year. Before the
Pasteur Treatment was instituted (in 1885) there was an average of sixty
deaths in human beings in the Paris hospitals.
Belgium and Austria average one thousand dogs annually. There was a yearly
average in Germany of four hundred dogs, dying of rabies, until the law
requiring the muzzling of dogs was strictly enforced and since that time
the disease is practically unknown. We do not have strict quarantine laws
against dogs, and the result is death from hydrophobia in many states
annually. It was formerly believed that rabies was a hot weather disease.
The number of cases during the winter months of late years has disproved
that belief, for the records of the institute for treatment of hydrophobia
at Ann Arbor have shown a decrease of cases during the summer months. This
was before 1908. This shows that rabies is not a hot weather disease.
Ordinarily cases of rabies occur here and there (sporadic), but if the
conditions are favorable epidemics break out. One dog may bite several
dogs and these dogs bite others and thus spread the disease to many. Not
every animal bitten by a mad dog develops the disease. The disease does
not always follow the bite. Only about forty per cent of all animals
bitten by a mad dog contract the disease. This is given by a noted
authority. Statistics also show that in man the disease develops in only
about twenty per cent of the cases in those who have been bitten by rabid
dogs. But in dealing with those who have been bitten such measures should
be taken as would be if they were certain of developing the disease; one
cannot tell how much poison enters the system in such cases and preventive
procedures should be taken. There are reasons why everyone who is bitten
does not contract the disease.
The location and character of the bite must be considered. Bites on the
head, neck and hands have been recognized as more dangerous, from early
times, and such bites produce fatal results quicker than do bites on other
parts of the body, and the reason is largely due to the fact that the
other parts of the body are more or less protected by the clothing, and
this clothing prevents the entrance of so much poison into the system.
Bites on the head give a high mortality rate and are rapidly fatal. The
close proximity to the brain is one reason.
If a portion of the brain of an animal dead from street virus is taken and
made up in a dilution of one to five hundred, and this is injected, we
find that it does not produce death. But a dilution of one to three
hundred will invariably kill. This is practically what very often happens
when one is bitten through the clothing. The saliva may be filtered and
held back so that a small amount is introduced; perhaps a dilution of one
to five hundred of the virus may get into the wound, but this is usually
not enough to cause the disease. There is no possible way of estimating
the amount of the inoculation. In such cases one's chances of never
contracting the disease are only decreased; that is all we can say.
Pasteur devoted the remainder of his life to the study of this subject. He
collected some saliva from the mouth of a child, on December 11, 1880, who
had died at the Hospital Trousseau four hours before. This saliva he
diluted with distilled water, and this mixture he injected into rabbits,
and they all died, and the saliva taken from these rabbits when injected
into other rabbits caused their death with rabies. He found also that
saliva from rabid dogs almost always caused the disease. The incubation
period varied within wide limits, and very often the animals lived. He
then used the blood of rabid dogs for inoculation, but these blood
inoculations always failed to produce the disease. Pasteur was convinced
after careful study of rabid animals during the many months necessary to
complete his experiments, that rabies was a disease of the nervous system,
and that the poison (virus) was transmitted from the wound to the brain by
the way of the nerve trunks. Then to prove his theory Pasteur removed a
portion of the brain of a dog that had died of rabies. A part of this was
rubbed up in sterile water and used to inoculate other animals; and
subcutaneous inoculations with this material almost always produced death.
After this Pasteur tried a new method and injected directly into the
nervous system, either into the nerve trunk or directly into the brain,
after trephining, and all such injections produced rabies in the injected
animal and death. He also found that rabbits inoculated in the brain
always died in the same length of time. When he injected into the nerve
trunk the inoculation period was longer, depending upon the distance from
the brain. Two problems now remained for Pasteur to solve, and these were,
how could he obtain the definite virulence and how could he reduce the
virulence regularly and gradually, so that it could be used by inoculation
safely as a vaccine to produce immunity to rabies in healthy animals, and
also to prevent the development of rabies in animals bitten by rabid
animals. He first tried successive inoculations. These inoculations were
made, after trephining, directly to the brain, and he used a portion of
the brain as a virus each time. He inoculated rabbit number one with a
portion of brain taken from a rabid dog, and this rabbit died on the
fifteenth day. He then inoculated rabbit number two with a portion of the
brain of rabbit number one; from the brain of rabbit number two the virus
was supplied for inoculating rabbit number three, and thus the brain of
each inoculated rabbit was taken, after its death, for material to
inoculate the next rabbit in the series. This experimentation showed him
that each rabbit in the series died a little sooner, showing that the
virus was becoming more virulent, till no increase in activity of the
poison was shown after the fiftieth successive inoculation. "Rabbits
inoculated with a brain suspension of rabbit number fifty all died in
seven days." This caused Pasteur to name the virus of number fifty "virus
fixe," a virus of definite length. He now had obtained a virus of definite
strength and the next question was, how could the virulence be gradually
and definitely reduced.
When the patient comes for treatment the fourteenth and thirteenth-day
cords are used for the first inoculation, and on each successive day the
patient receives inoculation, the strength of which has been regulated by
the number of days the cord has been hanging. During the first four days
patients receive injections of six cubic centimeters of emulsions made
from cords aging from fourteen to seven days, and from the fifth day until
the completion of the course of treatment patients receive emulsions from
cords of higher immunizing properties, but no cords desiccated for less
than four days are used.
Death rate from 1878-1883 before Pasteur treatment was instituted taken
from documents in the department of the Seine:
Average of one death to every six bitten, or seventeen per cent mortality.
Incubation period from eleven days to thirteen months, average one hundred
and twenty days, depending upon location of bite. Pasteur Institute
records during the years 1886-1887 and first half of 1888, show that
Pasteur had under his supervision 5,374 persons bitten by animals either
proven or thought to have been mad. Mortality for 1886 was 1-34 per cent,
during 1887 it was 1-12 per cent, during 1888 it was 77/100 per cent. With
the later treatment the mortality has decreased to 3-10 per cent in 1908.
The Pasteur method of treatment is a process of immunization which must be
completed before the development of the disease. It is of no value after
the symptoms have appeared.
Those who have not been affected can be immunized the same as those who
have been bitten. The individual who has been bitten by a mad dog realizes
when and how severely he has been bitten, and were it not for the
so-called period of latent development of the virus, it would not be
possible to carry out the Pasteur treatment. The patient may, if he will,
take advantage of this fact and be immunized by treatment before the
disease has developed. Deep and severe bites are most dangerous, but the
disease may develop simply from a rabid dog licking a scratch of the skin.
As before stated bites on exposed or uncovered surfaces, are more
dangerous than those through clothing. There is a very easy access of the
saliva to the wound in the unprotected part, while in the protected parts
the teeth in passing through the protection, clothing, are freed of their
saliva at least partially. The virus is conveyed from the bitten part or
inoculation to the central nervous system through the nerve trunk, and the
rapidity of extension depends upon the resistant powers of the patient,
the virulence and the amount of virus deposited in the bitten part at the
time the person was bitten. This disease develops only in nerve tissues.
Virus can be found in the nerves of the side bitten, while the
corresponding nerves on the opposite side are free from it. It can be
ascertained that the virus is present in the medulla oblongata before the
lower portion of the cord.
Protection.--To stamp out this disease city authorities, etc., can enact
laws. All ownerless dogs should be killed, and the keeping of useless dogs
should be discouraged by taxation. All dogs should be thoroughly muzzled
where the disease prevails. This article is made up from an article
written by an acknowledged authority on this disease, a man in charge of a
Pasteur Institute.
Treatment.--Fresh air, good food, care of the bowels and rest if the
symptoms are severe. When it is not so severe, plenty of outdoor exercise
is necessary and beneficial. That takes them away from their cramped
sedentary life and gives the sunshine, good pure air, and change of the
scene. Horseback riding is a very good form of exercise, but it should be
slow riding. "Tending" the horse is also good, and sleeping in the open
air is excellent. Automobile riding is too straining and should not be
indulged in.
Mix thoroughly, and make forty-eight pills. Take one to three pills, three
times a day after meals.
Diet.--This should be good and varied to suit the special taste, and as
the stomach and bowels are usually disordered such food should be chosen
as will best agree. Diet plays a very important part.
It makes its approach in so slow and insidious a manner that the patient
can hardly fix a date to the earliest feeling of that languor which is
shortly to become extreme. The countenance gets pale, and white of the
eyes become pearly, the general frame flabby rather than wasted. The pulse
perhaps larger, but remarkably soft and compressible, and occasionally
with a slight jerk, especially under the slightest excitement. There is an
increasing indisposition to exertion, with an uncomfortable feeling of
faintness or breathlessness in attempting it; the heart is readily made to
palpitate; the whole surface of the body presents a blanched, smooth and
waxy appearance; the lips, gums and tongue seem bloodless, the flabbiness
of the solid increases, the appetite fails, extreme languor and faintness
supervene, breathlessness and palpitation are produced by the most
trifling exertion, or emotion; some slight oedema (swelling) is probably
perceived about the ankles; the debility becomes extreme. The patient can
no longer rise from the bed; the mind occasionally wanders; he falls into
a prostrate and half torpid state and at length expires; nevertheless, to
the very last, and after a sickness of several months' duration, the
bulkiness of the general frame and the obesity (fat) often present a most
striking contrast to the failure and exhaustion observable in every other
respect. The disease is usually fatal.
Treatment.--Remove the cause and rest. Good fresh air, good easily
digested food. The bowels must be kept regular. Iron and arsenic are good
remedies if necessary. It is not possible to give special directions. A
person in this condition needs a good physician. There is no time to
waste. Iron and arsenic are good remedies, but they must be used
intelligently and in proper doses. Blaud's pill is good in some cases. It
contains iron. Also Fowler's solution of arsenic.
Causes.--Males are more affected than females, and usually young persons.
Continual local irritation causes a local enlargement of the gland, but
the actual cause is unknown.
Symptoms.--The lymph glands of the neck, arm-pit or groin are enlarged and
without any pain, followed by anemia, loss of strength and slight fever.
The glands enlarge slowly or rapidly, forming large masses, while the
growth extends to other regions. The spleen may be felt; the skin may be
bronzed. In cases with involvement of deep seated nodes the first symptoms
may be those of pressure on blood vessels, nerves, trachea, bronchial
tubes or other structures.
Symptoms.--There are hemorrhages into the skin, and this takes the form of
small blood spots underneath the skin, (petechia) and spots like the
bursting of a blood vessel shows vibices or ecchymoses. The first are in
small minute points and appear, as a rule, in the hair follicles and
unlike the erythemas (redness) do not disappear upon pressure. Another
kind occurs as streaks, while the ecchymoses are larger, but similar in
nature to the first kind. They may be larger than a split pea, and they
range from a deep red to a livid bluish tint. They assume a yellowish
brown, then a yellow color, as they fade away and finally disappear. This
eruption appears in a series of crops and the legs are the usual seat.
Treatment.--Remove the causes. Fresh air, food and tonics, etc. This
disease is serious and needs careful treatment from a physician.
Treatment for the attack.--Dr. Osler, of England, says: "I think the juice
of two or three lemons daily and a diet of plenty of meat and fresh
vegetables will cure all cases unless they are far advanced. For the
stomach small quantities of scraped meat and milk should be given at short
intervals, and the lemon juice in gradually increasing quantities. As the
patient gains in strength you can give a more liberal diet, and he may eat
freely of potatoes, cabbage, water cresses, and lettuce. A bitter tonic
may be given. Permanganate of potash or dilute carbolic acid forms the
best mouth-wash. Penciling the swollen gums with a tolerably strong
solution of nitrate of silver is very useful. Relieve the constipation by
enemas."
Causes.--It usually occurs in men from twenty to forty years old. The skin
and mucous membrane and sometimes the serous, like the pleura, etc.,
membranes are pigmented (darkened).
Treatment.--Treat the cause and relieve the pain. As this is a serious and
painful affection a physician should be called. The pain is often relieved
by a mustard poultice or hot fomentations. The patient should remain in
bed for acute inflammation of the spleen no matter what the cause.
2. Blood Purifier, Sassafras Tea, Known all over as.--"Sassafras tea made
from the root and boiled to extract the strength." Drink freely of this
for a few days in the spring. It thins the blood, and is a good tonic.
Simmer gently in three pints of water down to one quart; when cold, strain
and add one-fourth ounce of iodine potassium." A wineglassful may be
taken three times a day. This preparation is a fine blood purifier and can
be relied upon.
4. Blood Purifier, Sweet Fern for.--"Make a tea of this and drink freely.
This is very good to take in the spring of the year, as it thoroughly
cleanses the system."
Steep three hours in four quarts of water, strain, add sugar, when cold
add wintergreen and whisky. Dose:--One teaspoonful before meals and at
bedtime."
2. Goitre, Simple Remedy for.--"Wring a cloth from cold water and bind it
around the neck every night when retiring. This is a sure cure if
continued for some time."
2. Use the compound of tincture of iodine the same way, externally. This
is not so strong and can be used longer with, I think, better results. At
the same time you may use this same medicine internally. Take one to two
drops internally three times a day; or you may take five grains of iodide
of potash three times a day instead. Externally: These applications must
produce a little redness and be continued for some time.
3. An Ointment. The red iodide of mercury is also good to rub on the part.
This may be used if the others fail.
4. Other medical remedies are used, but they must be closely watched and
must be used under the supervision of a doctor. The thymus or thyroid
extracts are thus used and with good results in many cases.
5. Colorless Iodine: This does not stain, but I have no faith in it. It is
used very much now and can be used freely. It is simply, druggists tell
me, iodide of potash made in solution, dissolved, and put on the part. A
great many cases of large goitres are now being operated upon with quite
good success. It is not done until other measures have failed, unless the
goitre is interfering with breathing and the blood supply.
Put some in two bottles; one for internal and other for external use. Take
internally five to ten drops in a little water before meals. Externally,
put on the enlarged neck, night and morning, unless it feels too sore,
when you can use it once a day or less.
Operative type.--This rarely develops except the thyroid glands have been
entirely removed and then only if no extra glands are present.
2. Neuralgia, Salt and Vinegar Will Relieve.--"A small sack of hot salt
applied to the pain, or steam with vinegar." The heat from the salt is
very effective and the moisture of the vinegar is also very good. This
simply produces a counter irritation.
Antipyrine 30 grains
Citrate of Caffeine 20 grains
Make into ten powders. Take one everyone-half hour until 3 doses are
taken. Three (3) doses at least should relieve the neuralgia.
2. Antipyrine 30 to 60 grams
Bromide of Potash 3 drams
Mix: and make into ten powders; one every thirty minutes until relieved or
until six doses have been taken; this is better than the first
prescription when there is much nervousness with the neuralgia or
neuralgic headaches.
Antipyrine 30 to 60 grains
Citrate of Caffeine 10 grains
Bromide of Potash 3 drams
Mix and make ten powders. Take one every half hour until relieved or until
six doses have been used.
These are very effective prescriptions, but if a person has any heart
trouble I would not advise their use except under a physician's care.
(Sometimes a patient with neuralgia gets desperate, and he will even
resort to morphine). Antipyrine is one of the simplest coal tar remedies,
and most persons can safely take it. Persons who are subject to neuralgia
or headaches need to take good care of themselves. Get plenty of rest and
sleep. Neuralgia at first can be cured, but when it once becomes chronic,
especially neuralgia of the face, it is hard to cure and frequently makes
life a constant misery. Plenty of outdoor life is essential. In that way
the system will be built up, and when the body is strong the disease can
be thrown off much easier. A great many people depend too much upon strong
medicines. Medicines are all right in their place, but all the medicine in
the world cannot cure a person unless that person does his or her part.
Causes.--It occurs most commonly in adult males. The person may have a
history of rheumatism or gout in many cases. Exposure to cold after heavy
muscular work or exertion, or a severe wetting are common causes. The
nerves in the pelvis may be compressed by large tumors of the ovaries or
womb, by other tumors, or by the child's head during confinement.
Occasionally hip joint disease causes it. The nerve, as a rule, is
swollen, reddened, and in a condition of "interstitial neuritis." The pain
may be most severe where the nerves emerge from the hip bone, behind, or
in the inner back, and middle part of the thigh.
HEADACHE.--This term means a pain in the head, all over the head, or at
one particular spot. It may be only a symptom of a general constitutional
derangement, some disease of some other organ, a temporary inability of
some organ like the stomach, liver, bowels, etc., to do work, or it may be
due to some local affection depending upon some trouble with the skull and
its contents. It is frequently but a symptom of some other trouble. It
occurs in fevers, infectious diseases, brain disease, etc. There are
different varieties depending upon the causes.
Sick Headache.
Nervous Headache.
Catarrhal Headache.
Congestive Headache.
Neuralgic or Gastric (stomach) Headache.
Bilious Headache.
"Bowel" Headache.
"Womb" Headache.
Rheumatic Headache.
Treatment.--Get into a sweat by hot drinks of lemonade and hot foot baths.
Apply cold or warmth to the head, lie down and keep quiet.
Treatment.--1. The patient should remain in bed in a dark room, with the
head usually high. Cold should be applied to the head and heat to the
hands and feet. Move the bowels with salts and, if necessary, give an
enema also. It is well to give the foot-bath before going to bed. If
these things do not relieve the headache a doctor should be called, for it
may mean something serious. A hot mustard foot-bath and a mustard plaster
applied to the nape of the neck are of great value. In severe cases an ice
bag or very cold water, applied to the forehead and temples will very
often give great relief.
3. Camphor 1 dram
Oil of Peppermint 1 dram
Chloroform 1-1/2 ounces
Alcohol enough for 3 ounces
Shake the bottle and apply a little of the liquid to the place. Horseback
riding and walking are good for nervous girls and women.
Treatment.--A foot bath or sitz bath is very good, with free drinking of
pennyroyal tea after the bath, and when in bed. Place warmth to the feet,
moist heat over the abdomen, such as a hot water bag or fomentations.
Remain quietly in bed. If constipated, take an enema. Frequently a free
bowel movement gives much relief in this trouble. During the interval
doctor the patient for the trouble causing the headache for which see
another part of this book, "Diseases of Women."
2. Headache, Hops Good for.--"Make a strong decoction of hop tea, and take
a wineglassful every half hour until relieved." This is an old tried
remedy and a good one.
EMERGENCY MEDICINES.--If anemia is the cause, give tonics such as iron and
arsenic. If the patient feels faint and nauseated, a small cup of strong
hot coffee gives relief, sometimes. Antipyrin, given early in doses of two
and one-half grains often relieves. Take another dose in one-half hour if
necessary. But such remedies are hard on the heart.
6. Sick Headache, Lemon Good for.--"One lemon before breakfast will help
to keep off sick headache. Have never found a remedy to cure sick
headaches. A sack of hot salt will always help the pain." The lemon will
help to tone up the stomach and the salt applied to the head will help the
pain by relieving the congestion. It is always well to take a good
cathartic after a spell of sick headache.
1. Antipyrine 25 grains
Citrate of Caffeine 10 grains
Bromide of Potash 25 grains
Mix and make into five powders. One powder as needed. (You might take
second one in three hours.) This is not good when it is bilious sick
headache. In fact, it would make it worse. It is good for sick headache
and neuralgia due to eye or nerve strain, but then the first remedy,
antipyrine, can be left out. It is not needed. I would then put twice as
much of the bromide of potash, fifty grains, and take a powder every two
hours until better.
Mix and make twelve powders. Take one every three hours. This is good.
Sometimes it is depressing on the heart for some people, due to the
phenacetine. Acetanilid can be substituted in same dose.
It may come from constipation or eye strain, from brain disease, anemia,
uremia, too much blood in the head, etc. In many cases a mild laxative to
thoroughly empty the bowels is necessary. Sometimes the urine will be
deficient in solids and liquids, so that the effete and poisonous material
are retained in the blood, which produce headache. For such cases if the
urine is acid, the frequent use of Vichy water, to which is added a little
bicarbonate of potassium, about five grains to a drink, as a diuretic will
prove of great service. If the urine is alkaline (and this you can tell by
using a red litmus paper which will turn blue if it is alkaline) ten grain
doses of benzoate of ammonium three (3) times a day are often useful.
Varieties. True and False Nerve Tumors.--True nerve tumors (neuromata) are
composed of nerve-fibres provided with a medullary (marrow) sheath or of
nerve tissue; false nerve tumors are composed of other structure than
nerve tissue, are usually of secondary origin, extending to the nerve from
nearby structures.
When the disease process involves the nerve sheaths and connective tissue
structures in particular, an interstitial neuritis results; when the
disease locates itself in the nerve fibrils it gives rise to
"parenchymatous neuritis" (main part of the nerve is inflamed).
For the Attack.--After having placed the part in absolute rest, moist heat
applied to it frequently brings great relief. Sometimes a mustard plaster
applied along the sore part does good. This produces a counter irritation
and thus draws some of the congestion from the congested, inflamed nerve.
Ice is more effective in some cases than heat. The bowels should be kept
open daily with salts. Build up the general health with tonics; no alcohol
can be used. If it shows a tendency to become chronic, use massage,
electricity or change of climate. Atrophy (shrinking) of the muscles is
likely to follow if the disease continues long and for this massage and
electricity must be given.
Treatment. Preventive.--A person who has once had neuritis must exercise
all care to keep from taking cold or exposing themselves to severe cold
winds and storms. Wet clothing will be apt to cause its return. Damp
houses are bad. The climate should be dry and not changeable. There should
be enough and proper kind of clothing to keep the body heat at the normal
point. Plenty of rest and sleep are required. These cautions also apply to
rheumatism and neuralgias.
Causes.--They are many. (1.) The poison that comes from infectious
diseases such as typhoid fever, diphtheria, smallpox, leprosy, la grippe,
etc. (2) From poisons such as alcohol, lead, arsenic; phosphorus, mercury,
coal gas, etc. (3) From anemia, cancer, tuberculosis, syphilis,
septicemia, diabetes. (4) From cold, over-exertion, etc.
8:00 a. m.--The nurse is to sponge the patient with tepid water or with
cold and hot water alternately to stimulate the skin and circulation, the
body being well wrapped in a blanket, except the portion which is being
bathed. After this the nurse should dry the part last wetted, with a rough
towel, using some friction to stimulate the skin.
10:00 a. m.--Massage.
1:00 p. m.--Dinner. Small piece of steak, rare roast beef, consomme soup,
mutton broth, and any one of the easily digested vegetables, well cooked.
3:00 p. m.--Electricity.
6:30 p. m.--Supper. This should be very plain, no tea or coffee, but toast
and butter, milk, curds and whey, or a plain custard.
In this way the day is well filled, and the time does not drag so heavily
as would be thought. If the stomach rebels at over feeding, the amount of
food must be cut down, but when all the effort of the body is concentrated
on respiration, circulation, and digestion a large amount of nourishment
can be assimilated by the exhausted body, which before this treatment is
undertaken may have had its resources so shattered as to be unable to
carry out any physiological act perfectly. For the treatment to be
successful the rules laid down should be rigidly followed, and the cure
should last from three to six weeks or longer."
HYSTERIA.--A state in which ideas control the body and produce morbid
changes in its functions.
Causes.--It occurs mostly in women, and usually appears first about the
time of puberty, but the manifestations may continue until the menopause
or even until old age. It occurs in all races. Children under twelve years
are not very often affected. A physician writes: One of the saddest
chapters in the history of human deception, that of the Salem witches,
might be headed, "Hysteria in Children," since the tragedy resulted
directly from the hysterical pranks of girls under twelve years of age.
During late years it has been quite frequent among men and boys. It seems
to occur oftener in the warm and mild climates than in the cold. There are
two predisposing causes that are very important--heredity and education.
Heredity acts by endowing the child with a movable (mobile) abnormally
sensitive nervous organization. Cases are seen most frequently in families
with marked nervous disease tendencies, whose members have suffered from
various sorts of nervous diseases.
Make into twenty pills. Take one or two pills three times a day.
Mix thoroughly and make twenty pills, one after each meal.
Diet.--Give the patient a light diet at regular hours, and the stomach
should never be overloaded. There are cases in which meat is injurious,
and it should not be eaten more than once a day and at noon time. A
vegetable diet seems best. The patient should not go to sleep until the
digestion is completed in the stomach.
Causes.--Should be removed if possible. Circumcision should be done,
especially in the young. In case of a female child the "hood of the
clitoris" should be kept free. Undue mental and physical excitement should
be avoided. Systematic exercise should be taken. Baths in cold water in
the morning, if possible, as the skin should be in good working condition.
Medicines.--The bromides are the best, and should always be given under
proper supervision of a physician or nurse.
Caution.--I wish to add that parents should always attend to the seemingly
harmless "fits" in their young children. It will not do to say they are
due to teething or worms. If they are, the worms at least can be treated
and that cause removed. They may be due to too tight opening in the penis.
If that opening is small, or if the foreskin is tight it will make the
child irritable and cause restless sleep. Attend to that immediately. The
same advice applies to female children. The "cover" of the "clitoris" may
be tight, making the little one nervous; loosen it. If your child keeps
its fingers rubbing its private organs there is reason for you to have the
parts examined and the cause removed as masturbation often starts in that
way. The parts itch and the child tries to stop the itching. These little
things often cause "big things" and I am sure "fits" can be stopped very
often by looking after the private organs in both sexes.
Causes.--It usually occurs after the fortieth year, and is more common in
men than in women. The exciting causes are exposure to cold and wet,
business worries, anxieties, violent emotional excitement and specific
fevers.
Recovery.--If taken in time and if the hand is allowed perfect rest, the
condition may improve rapidly. There is, however, a tendency to recur.
2. Apoplexy, Simple Injection for.-"Place dry salt on the tongue and give
an injection as follows:
The injection of the bowels will relieve the congestion by drawing the
blood away from the brain.
Caution.--A person who has had an attack of this kind may have another.
The mode of life must be changed in most cases. The patient must take
things easy. The bowels, kidneys, stomach, and liver must work naturally
and the stomach must not be overloaded. Too much meat must not be eaten;
alcohol must be let alone; rich foods are prohibited. Hurry, worry, anger,
fright, excitement, etc., are bad. Be lazy, take life easy, do not get
over-heated, and sleep, sleep, SLEEP,--in a room where there is plenty of
good air. Do not lift or strain to have a passage of the bowels. Stooping
is injurious. The blood must be kept from the head. Take proper care and
you are likely to live years longer. And now you may wonder why I give
such cautions. Apoplexy is directly due to a breaking of the wall of a
blood vessel, large or small; due to a weakening, or decay, or
degeneration of the wall. This lets the blood into the substance of the
brain and presses upon the nerve centers, causing the trouble and
paralysis. Any wrong action tends to fill the blood vessels very full and
the weakened wall bursts.
Symptoms.--The patient cannot make all the usual motions of the part. The
affected muscles may waste after a time.
Different Varieties.--
(a) Paralysis of the ocular (eye) muscles.--The vision becomes double, the
eyelids do not act normally, may droop. The eye may not move in every
direction as it should.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Palsy.--Remove the cause. Give salts and iodide
of potash. Paralysis from arsenic, mercury, zinc or copper:--The symptoms
are those of neuritis and are greatly similar in each kind. The spongy
gums show mercury; the puffy face and diarrhea show arsenic poison. Remove
the cause.
Symptoms.--"Fainting spells," dizziness, the ears ring and there are spots
before the eyes; nausea and vomiting may go ahead of the fainting spells.
The face is pale, the pupils are dilated, the pulse is small and feeble,
and there may be cold sweating on the body. If you can remove the cause
the result is favorable.
Causes.--This is always secondary and comes from some other part of the
body. It comes often in young and middle life and is more common in males
than in females. The most frequent cause is inflammation of the ear and
the next is from fracture of the skull bones. It may be large or small.
Gumma (in third stage of Syphilis) appear as a round, yellow, cheesy mass,
usually beginning in the membranes and are usually seen between thirty and
fifty. They come from syphilis.
Tuberculous tumors. These appear as hard masses and vary in size. They may
be single or many, and are situated in any part of the brain. More than
half of the tumors appearing in children are of this variety.
Glioma. "Glue-tumor." They come from tissue forming the basis of the
supporting framework of the nervous tissue. This kind occurs often in the
young.
For headache.--Ice bags, cold to the head, mustard to the nape of the
neck.
How to tell what the disease is.--The history of the patient will help. An
apoplexy in a young person would suggest syphilis.
Recovery.--The chances are better when the disease forms gumma (tumors)
than when the blood vessels are diseased.
Treatment.--The end is sure. You can relieve the distress partly. Personal
attention by a physician is needed.
2. Cold spongings, cold shower baths, or cold plunge baths are given when
the hot or warm bath does not produce the correct result. If this does not
depress it is better than the warm bath. The person should be rubbed with
warm rough towels until the skin is aglow. If he feels rested and quieted,
the reaction is proper; if depressed, the treatment is too vigorous and
not suitable.
3. The patient should stand ankle deep in a tub of hot water and a "drip
sheet," from water at 75 to 80 degrees temperature, thrown over him. Then
rub the patient's back and abdomen hard and a general brisk rub-down
immediately after leaving the tub. This treatment should quiet, not excite
or depress.
5. Exercise. This should be in the open air when possible. A fast walk,
horseback ride or ride on bicycle for a half hour before bedtime, followed
by a rub-down will frequently give a good sleep. Dumb-bell, Indian club
exercise, chest weight, are good in some cases.
Diet.--A light easily digested supper is often better than a heavy meal.
Sometimes a little eaten before bed-time will give sleep. A piece of
toast, for instance. It draws the blood from the brain and more to the
stomach.
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 301]
Medicines. If you must use them.--The bromides are the best. Sodium and
strontium bromide are first choice. Twenty to thirty grains in water
one-half hour before retiring. Chloral hydrate should not be used often.
Sulphonal, trional, etc., should always be given with a little food-never
alone. Sometimes bread pills do just as well.
ANEMIC CONGESTION. Diet.--A light supper before retiring, like hot milk,
broths, milk punch, etc., will very frequently promote sleep by removing
the cause and quickening the circulation. Give nutritious, easy food to
digest. The baths are not so valuable for this kind of insomnia. A cold
sponge bath or plunge may be of service.
4. Hiccough, Simple Remedy for.--"Have patient hold both ears closed with
the fingers, then give them three swallows cold water while they hold
their breath."
Symptoms.--The person who is injured may lose his balance and fall, become
pale, confused, and giddy, may have nausea and vomiting and recover. If
the injury is more severe and there is a tear of the membranes of the
brain or the brain itself, the patient will fall and lie quietly with a
feeble and fluttering heart, cold, clammy skin, and apparent
unconsciousness; he can be roused by shouting but will not reply
intelligently. He will be able to move his limbs. The urine and contents
of the bowels will be passed involuntarily. As he gets better he may
vomit. He may soon return to entire consciousness, but still suffer from
some headache, feel wearied, and tired, and not feel like exerting
himself. This may continue for some time. Occasionally the results are
more serious even after a long time has passed, and an abscess of the
brain should be watched for, sometimes epilepsy or insanity follows. If
the patient grows worse instead of recovering, either deep seeming sleep
sets in or symptoms of inflammation of the covering (meninges) or the
brain itself follows. Such injuries must be carefully watched, for you can
not tell at first how severe they may prove to be.
Recovery depends upon the extent of the injury and the constitution of the
patient. It is always well to be careful about expressing an opinion about
this injury.
Causes.--It may occur at any age, and is more common in male than in
female. The exciting causes are prolonged exposure to severe colds, too
great mental and physical exertion, sexual excess, blows, bleeding into
the cord, alcoholic excess, acute infectious diseases, syphilis, etc.
Recovery.--Chances for recovery depend upon the cause. Most cases are
chronic and may last for years.
Treatment.--Treatment depends also upon the cause. Rest in bed;
counter-irritation, wet cupping, with care on account of bed sores. A
water-bed from the first may prevent bed-sores. The urine must be drawn if
it is retained. The medical treatment must be carefully given and a
physician of experience should be obtained.
Symptoms.--These are numerous. They appear in succession and with the same
regularity.
Stages.--Stages of pain; the stage of ataxia, peculiar gait; and the state
of paralysis.
The Diagnosis is made at first by the fatigue, peculiar pains, loss of the
knee jerk, the peculiar pupil and history of syphilis. Later it is made
from the ataxia; the peculiar walk, etc., and the bladder disturbances.
Treatment.--During the acute stage there must be absolute quiet and rest
with a diet that is not stimulating, one that is easily digested; ice to
the head or cold cloths, counter-irritation to the spine; electricity
should be used after a few weeks. There is quite a good deal of this
paralysis, and the case should receive careful attention from the start.
In the human tongue taste-buds are also found in the fungiform papillae,
often seem as red dots scattered over its surface; and to an area just in
front of the anterior pillar of the fauces. It is also possible that
single taste-cells are scattered over the tongue, as the sense of taste
exists where no taste-buds can be found.
The four primary taste-sensations are bitter, sweet, sour and salt. These
probably have separate centers and nerve fibers. Sweet and sour tastes are
chiefly recognized at the front and bitter and alkaline tastes at the back
of the tongue. The same substance will often excite a different sensation,
according as it is placed at the front or back of the tongue.
Hippocrates, who lived four hundred years before Christ, was the first
physician who seemed to have any true conception of the real nature of
insanity. For many centuries later the masses believed that madness was
simply a visitation of the devil. The insane, in the time of Christ, were
permitted to wander at large among the woods and caves of Palestine. The
monks built the first hospital or asylum for the insane six centuries
after Christ.
The first asylum to be run upon reform principles was St. Luke's of
London, founded in 1751. About 1791 Samuel Hahnemann established an asylum
for the insane at Georgenthal, near Gotha, and the law of kindness was the
unvarying rule in the institution. Hahnemann says in his Lesser Writings:
"I never allow any insane persons to be punished by blows or other
corporeal inflictions." Pineli struck the chains from the incarcerated
insane at the Bicetre, near Paris in 1792 or 1793.
There has been a gradual tendency during the last century toward better
things in the behalf of the insane. A hundred years ago they were treated
with prison surroundings and prison fare. Then asylum treatment began to
prevail. This means close confinement, good food, sufficient clothing and
comfortable beds. Asylum care means the humane custody of dangerous
prisoners. "From the asylum we move on to the hospital system of caring
for the insane and this system recognizes the fact that the lunatic is a
sick man and needs nursing and medical treatment in order to be cured.
Hospital treatment has been gradually introduced during the past thirty
years or more," and in time it will eventually supercede asylum treatment
and prison or workhouse methods in the management of the insane
everywhere.
Causes of Insanity.--There are many and various causes. One author states:
"Mental abnormality is always due to either imperfect or eccentric
physical development, or to the effects of inborn or acquired physical
disease, or to injurious impressions, either ante-natal or post natal,
upon the delicate and intricate physical structure known as the human
brain." Some physical imperfections, more than others, give rise to mental
derangements, and some persons, more than others, when affected by any
bodily ailment, tend to aberrated conditions of the mind. Some impressions
more than others, are peculiarly unfortunate by reason of their crowding
effects upon the brain tablets of a sensitive mind. To these natural
defects and unnatural tendencies, we apply, in the general way, the term
"Insane Diathesis." This diathesis may be inherited or acquired. Those who
are born to become insane do not necessarily spring from insane parents or
from an ancestry having any apparent taint of lunacy in the blood. But
they do receive from their progenitors oftentimes certain impressions upon
their mental and moral, as well as upon their physical being, which
impressions, like iron molds, fix and shape their subsequent destinies."
The insane diathesis in the child may come from hysteria in the mother. A
drunken father may impel epilepsy, madness or idiocy in the child.
Ungoverned passions, from love to hate, from hope to fear, when indulged
in overmuch by the parents, may unloose the furies of unrestrained madness
in the minds of the children. "The insane may often trace their sad
humiliation and utter unfitness for life's duties back through a tedious
line of unrestrained passion, of prejudice, bigotry, and superstition
unbridled, of lust unchecked, of intemperance uncontrolled, of avarice
unmastered, and of nerve resources wasted, exhausted, and made bankrupt
before its time. Timely warnings by the physician and appeals to his
clients of today, may save them for his own treatment, instead of
consigning them to an asylum where his fees cease from doubling, and the
crazed ones are at rest." The causes of the insane diathesis
(constitution) are frequently traceable to the methods of life of those
who produce children under such circumstances and conditions that the
offspring bear the indelible birthmark of mental weakness. Early
dissipations of the father produce an exhausted and enfeebled body; and a
demoralized mind and an unholy and unhealthy existence in the mother, are
causes. Fast living of parents in society is a fruitful cause of mental
imperfections in their children. "The sons of royalty and the sons of the
rich, are often weak in brain force because of the high living of their
ancestry."
The fast high livers of today are developing rapidly and surely, strong
tendencies to both mental and physical disorders. Elbert Hubbard says of
those who live at a certain hotel and waste their substance there, that
they are apt "to have gout at one end, general paresis at the other, and
Bright's disease in the middle."
Drunkenness, lust, rage, fear, mental anxiety or incompatibility, "if
admitted to participation in the act of impregnation will each, in turn or
in combination, often set the seal of their presence in the shape of
idiocy, imbecility, eccentricity, or absolute insanity."
Burton in his anatomy of melancholy states that: "If a drunken man begets
a child it will never likely have a good brain," Michelet predicts: "Woe
unto the children of darkness, the sons of drunkenness who were, nine
months before their birth, an outrage on their mothers."
Children of drunkards are often "sad and hideous burlesques upon normal
humanity." Business worry may cause unsoundness in the offspring generated
under such conditions.
One father had two sons grow up strong and vigorous, mentally and
physically, while a third son was weak, irresolute, fretful, suspicious
and half demented. The father confessed to his physician that on account
of business troubles he was half crazy and during this time the wife
became pregnant and this half-crazy son was born and the father states
that "he inherits just the state of mind I was then in." Many such cases
could be mentioned. "A sound body and a cheerful mind can only be produced
from healthy stock." Mental peculiarities are produced by unpleasant
influences brought to bear upon the pregnant mother. The story is told of
King James the Sixth of Scotland, that he was constitutionally timid and
showed great terror at a drawn sword. His father was murdered in his
mother's presence while she was pregnant. Children born under the
influence of fear may be troubled with apprehensions of impending
calamity, so intense that they may become insane at last. An instance is
given of "an insane man who always manifested the greatest fear of being
killed and constantly implored those around him not to hurt him." His
mother lived with her drunken husband who often threatened to kill her
with a knife.
Blows and Falls upon the Head.--Sometimes such injuries are forgotten, but
they result infrequently in stealthily developed, but none the less
dangerous, conditions, which may result in the derangement of all mental
faculties. A child should not be struck on the head. Teachers or parents
should not box a child's ears. One author says such a person "is guilty of
slow murder of innocents."
Social pleasure also tends to weaken the system of parents who produce
nervous and weakened children. Another great cause of insanity is the
unnatural, improper and excessive use of the sexual organs, and diseases
that often come from indiscriminate sexual relations. General paresis is
very often caused by specific disease. I might go on and enlarge upon
these causes, but enough has been written to give warning to those who are
breaking nature's laws.
To sum up, "mania" may result from any unusual shock or strain upon the
nervous system; or it may come after any unusual mental excitement in
business, politics or in religion. Such are the exciting or stimulating
causes, but we must go back of the presence of worldly misfortune and
trace the tendency to mental disorder through channels of hereditary
influence. "Infants are born every day whose inevitable goal is that of
insanity." What is said in the Bible about sins of the parents is true.
DEMENTIA.--This term literally means "from mind," out of mind, and such a
person is in a state of the most deplorable mental poverty. We all have
seen such cases and some cases are not only very sad but disgusting.
Senile dementia is the result of old age and of acquired brain disease. It
is different from simple old age or dotage. In old age the mind is
weakened, but the patient is conscious of it, such a person forgets a name
or date and gropes about in his memory to find it.
The demented person is not conscious of loss of memory, but applies wrong
names to persons, and serenely thinks he is right.
The senile demented person does not realize his condition, and if there is
any mental power left he cherishes delusions or false beliefs.
GENERAL PARESIS.--Wine, worry and women produce a great many cases of this
disease. The doctors claim a notorious criminal now committed to one
asylum and about whom we have read so much, is a victim of this disease.
CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES.
Exciting cause may be: Exposure to cold and wet, improper food, unhygienic
surroundings, worry, blows and acute infections.
General Treatment.--The climate should be warm and dry. The patient should
avoid exposing himself; lead a general hygienic life, with as nourishing
food as his digestion will permit. The chief line of treatment should be
to improve the general health and relieve the pain. The stomach, bowels,
and kidneys should be kept working well. Nourishing food should be taken,
but its effect must be watched. Cod-liver oil to build up the system, iron
and arsenic may be of value. Sometimes iodide of potash is good. Early and
thorough treatment at Hot Springs offers the best hope of arresting its
progress, the Hot Springs in Bath County, Va., and in Arkansas. Much can
be done at home by hot air baths, hot baths, and compresses at night to
the tender joints.
Diet in Gout.--Most persons over forty eat too much. Eat reasonably and at
regular hours and take plenty of time to eat. Do not eat too freely of
meats and avoid too much starchy and sugary foods. Fresh vegetables and
fruits may be used freely, except cranberries and bananas.
May Take--
Desserts.--Plain milk pudding, junket, rice and milk, sago and milk,
stewed fruits, all without sugar.
Drinks.--Weak tea (no sugar), milk, buttermilk, toast water, pure water,
cold or hot.
Veal, pork, goose, duck, turkey, salted, dried, potted or preserved fish
or meat (except fat bacon), eels, mackerel, crabs, salmon, lobster, eggs,
rich soups, gravies, patties, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus,
mushrooms, rhubarb, lemons, pickles, vinegar, fried or made dishes, rich
puddings, spices, pies, pastry, sweets, nuts, dried fruits, tobacco,
coffee, cider, malt liquors, sweet wines, champagne.
Treatment.--In an acute attack raise the affected limb and wrap the "sick"
joint in cotton wool; warm fomentations may be used. The wine or tincture
of colchicum in doses of twenty to thirty drops may be given every four
hours in combination with the citrate of potash, fifteen grains, or the
citrate of lithium five to ten grains. Stop the tincture of colchicum as
soon as the pain is relieved and then you can give wine of colchicum ten
drops every four hours, watching for irritation of the stomach, bowels and
kidneys.
Predisposing.--A damp climate, winter and spring, young adults and persons
who are exposed to damp, wet and cold.
We may see the shoulder and hip, the elbow and wrist, knee and ankle,
etc., all affected at once: Heart complications are frequent and bear
close watching, for they are dangerous to life and the future health of
the patient. The patient becomes very anemic and this progresses rapidly.
When improvement does begin it is gradual; or the disease may become
chronic. Care must be taken not to be too active when improvement sets in
or you will cause a return by using the joints before they have become
thoroughly well. I did the same thing in my anxiety to get out, but would
never be as reckless again. Pain and stiffness of the joints often last
long after convalescence has set in. One who has had this disease once is
liable to another attack if he is not careful.
Also
Salicylate of Soda 1 ounce
Water 6 ounces
Large teaspoonful every two hours with a quinine pill every other dose."
Prevention.--Wear flannel late and early. Keep from taking cold. Put off
wet things of every kind immediately upon getting home and dry your body
and put on dry well-aired clothes. Never sleep in a damp bed, under damp
unaired clothes. When you go away from home do not sleep in a room or bed
that has been unoccupied for any length of time, especially if there is no
furnace in the house. Do not sit down in wet damp clothes, stockings,
shoes, etc. Do not sit down anywhere to "cool off." It is inviting trouble
and sickness. Do not lie on the damp ground, do not sleep on the first
floor of an old damp house. Have plenty of sunlight and air in your
sleeping room. These directions apply to the chronic cases also. It does
not matter so much if one is wet or sweating as long as he keeps moving or
working. On wash day do not dry your clothes in the kitchen or sitting
room, or put them on your bed, unless they have been thoroughly dried,
aired and warmed before using. These little things mean much in real life.
PHYSICIANS' CAUTION for Articular Rheumatism.--Go to bed and remain there
and do not get up too soon, for remember the parts are still tender when
they may not be painful.
Local Treatment.--1. There must be absolute rest. Remove the sheets from
the bed and wrap woolen cloths or blankets about the patient and protect
the inflamed joints from the weight of the coverings. Cover the joints
with gauze or absorbent cotton, after putting on the parts a thick coating
of ichthyol ointment.
Mix.
Rub the affected parts with oil of wintergreen and then wrap the parts in
cotton wool and soak with the solution.
Nursing.--The nurse must have the patience of Job to attend a patient sick
with this disease; but you must remember the suffering is awful. The
patient may be very restless and the pillows may need rearranging every
few minutes. Also be careful how you handle the patient. It hurts terribly
to be even touched. A rough, hearty person has no business to care for
such a patient. I allow patients to say anything they wish, for this is a
painful disease. They may swear at me if they wish. I know how it is, for
I was there twice, the last time for six long weeks. Have patience and
courage and cheer your patient. Do not look cross or scold.
Use as a liniment three times a day. This can be used for some weeks.
Use as a liniment.
Mix and take a dessertspoonful in a glass of water two hours after meals
for chronic rheumatism.
6. This is prepared by Parke, Davis & Co., and made into a syrup:
Bruise them thoroughly or grind them coarsely, steep and make a tea and
drink freely of it. If you wish you can take three to five grains of
Iodide of Potash to each dose. This may in time disorder the stomach and
you may then stop it for a time. All these can be used in muscular
rheumatism also. The food should not be rich or highly seasoned. Spices
are bad for such patients. Pickles, mustard, etc., are best let alone.
May Take--
Pork, veal, turkey, goose, duck, fried fish or salt meats, cooked oysters
or clams, salted, dried, potted or preserved fish or meats (except fat
bacon or ham), crabs, salmon, lobster, eggs, rich made dishes, gravies,
potatoes, tomatoes, beans, asparagus, mushrooms, candies, rich puddings,
pies, pastry, nuts, cheese, coffee, cider, malt liquors, wines.
Liniment.--
1. Weak Back, Vinegar and Salt for.--"One tablespoonful of salt and one
tablespoonful of vinegar to a quart of hot water. Bathe the back, then rub
well with sweet oil and relief will soon follow,"
"Peppermint 1 ounce
Oil of Mustard 1/4 ounce
Vinegar 1 pint
White of one egg.
Dissolve the camphor in the oil and when dissolved add the chloroform and
four ounces of turpentine or rosemary. Rub the parts well night and
morning. If the limbs are very sensitive to cold, add to the mixture two
ounces of tincture of capsicum."
Dose for adult, one teaspoonful three times a day in wineglassful of water
or milk."
Dose for adults, one and one-half or two tablespoonfuls night and
morning." In severe cases take three times a day. This is a thoroughly
tried remedy and is a very successful one.
"Alcohol 1 ounce
Oil of Wintergreen 1 dram
Chloroform 5 drams
Gum Camphor 1/2 ounce
Sulphuric Ether 3/4 ounce
Oil of Cloves 1/2 dram
Oil of Lavender 1 dram
Mix and apply externally for rheumatism and you will find it a very
beneficial remedy."
12. Rheumatism, Camphor and Alcohol for.--"Soak cotton batting in alcohol
and camphor and apply on part." Application to the affected parts will
frequently give relief in some rheumatic patients, when in others no
relief is obtained by this method, it being necessary to take something
internally.
13. Rheumatism, Sweet Fern Tea Excellent for.--"Sweet fern tea taken three
times a day. Dose, one cupful. Father has used this successfully himself."
18. Rheumatism, Snake Root and Lemons Good for.--"Make use of lemon juice
freely. Use decoction of black snake root, one ounce to pint of boiling
water; a tablespoonful four times a day. Wet compress renewed every two
hours applied to painful joints."
The black snake root is a remedy that was used by the early settlers for
this trouble. The wet compresses are very soothing, but care should be
taken not to wet the bed clothing, as the patient would then take cold.
Alcohol 5 ounces
Amber 30 drops
Tincture of Pinoum 30 drops
Hemlock Oil 30 drops
Tincture of Iron 30 drops
Aconite 30 drops
Diet.--Let the patients eat food of easy digestion, such as veal, mutton
and the like, and abstain from all sorts of fruit and garden stuff. In
Johns Hopkins' Hospital these patients are kept for three or four days on
the ordinary ward diet, which contains a moderate amount of
carbo-hydrates, in order to ascertain the amount of sugar excretions. For
two days more the starches are gradually cut off. They are then placed on
the following standard non-carbohydrate diet.
Lunch: 12:30, six ounces of cold roast beef; two ounces celery, fresh
cucumbers or tomatoes with vinegar, olives, pepper and salt to taste, five
drams of whisky with thirteen ounces of water, two ounces of coffee
without milk or sugar.
Dinner: 6:00 P. M., six ounces of clear bouillon; seven and a half ounces
of roast beef; one and one-half drams of butter; two ounces of green salad
with two and a half drams of vinegar, five drams of olive oil, or three
tablespoonfuls of some well-cooked green vegetable: three sardines; five
drams of whisky with thirteen ounces of water.
Supper: 9:00 P. M., two eggs, raw or cooked, thirteen ounces of water .
Liquids: Soups.--Ox tail, turtle bouillon and other clear soups. Lemonade,
coffee, tea, chocolate and cocoa; these to be taken without sugar, but
they may be sweetened with saccharin. Potash or soda water and
appollinaris, or the Saratoga-vichy and milk in moderation may be used.
Animal Food.--Fish of all sorts, including crabs, oysters, salt and fresh
butcher's meat (with the exception of liver), poultry and game, eggs,
buttermilk, curds and cream cheese.
Thick Soups and Liver. Ordinary bread of all sorts (in quantity), rye,
wheaten, brown or white. All farinaceous (starchy) preparations, such as
hominy, rice, tapioca, arrowroot, sago and vermicelli.
Liquids: Beer, sparkling wine of all sorts and the sweet aerated drinks.
Medicines. Codeine.--A patient may begin with one-half grain three times a
day, which may be gradually increased to six or eight grains in the
twenty-four hours (under the doctor's care); withdraw it gradually when
sugar is absent or reduced as far as possible.
Diet.--The food of a fleshy person should be cut down gradually. Its bulk
can be great, but its nourishing properties should be small. The diet for
reduction of obesity should consist chiefly of bulky vegetables, but not
too much of any one article or set of articles. The following list is
recommended by Dr. Hare of Philadelphia:
Supper.--This should consist of one or two soft boiled eggs, which may be
poached, but not fried, a few ounces of brown bread, some salad and fruit
and perhaps a glass or two of light, dry (not sweet) wine, if the patient
is accustomed to its use.
The least malignant of all cancers is that kind which first exhibits
itself by a hardening of the skin, forming a nodule looking pimple or a
mole and having a dark red color, due to tortuous blood vessels, upon the
sides of the nose near the eyes, upon the cheek bones, forehead or
temples. This form of epithelioma is called rodent ulcer, flat epithelioma
or cancroid and sometimes does little harm for many years, but should
receive the attention of a physician familiar with cancer and its
eradication.
Deep or squamous cancer occurs on the lip, the tongue or the forehead or
wherever the mucous membrane joins the skin, and is characterized by a
hard, deep-seated sore formed upon any such part, growing down into the
flesh and having a dark red or purplish-red color.
Whenever a physician finds that a patient has a pappy, insipid taste with
a furred, pale, rarely dry and red tongue, and is suffering from
continuous, dull sensations or pain in the region of the stomach,
periodically increasing to paroxysms, often induced by pressure or
increased by it, together with a sensation of weight, drawing pains of
varying character, and frequent pain in the shoulder, loss of appetite,
frequent belching of fetid gas from the stomach, severe and frequent
vomiting, often periodical, often occurring before partaking of a meal but
more often afterwards with slight indigestion, but vomitus being more or
less watery and containing mucus and blood, usually decomposed and
recurring frequently, together with constipation of the bowels, the skin
being sallow, yellowish, dry and flaccid, and losing weight and strength,
he should suspect cancer of the stomach and where possible advise an
immediate surgical operation for the removal of the cancer.
CANCER OF THE UTERUS.--What women should know regarding it. The menopause
or change of life comes on gradually, rarely suddenly. It is not preceded
by excessive flowing or discharge or pain in a healthy woman.
If any of the above symptoms occur after the age of thirty-five or forty,
a woman should seek relief and insist on thorough investigation of the
cause and prompt treatment.
Diagnosis.--This kind is very rare before thirty years of age and common
after forty. They involve the gland early, contrary to what the sarcoma
variety does. Innocent growths occur, as a rule, in younger patients, do
not grow so rapidly, do not become adherent to neighboring parts and do
not ulcerate.
HEART FAILURE.--The pulse may be slow and weak or fast and weak.
2. Palpitation of the Heart, Hot Foot Bath and Camphor for.--"Place the
feet in hot mustard water and give two grains camphor every two or three
hours, or two drops aconite every hour. This remedy is very good and is
sure to give relief."
The bicarbonate of soda relieves the gas and swelling of the stomach,
while the rhubarb has a tonic action and relieves the bowels. The spirits
of peppermint stimulates the mucous membrane.
When Caused by the Stomach.--From gas or too much food, take salts to move
the bowels. Hot whisky is good when caused by gas; or soda, one
teaspoonful in hot water is also good when gas causes palpitation.
Diet.--A person with heart disease should not bring on palpitation from
over-eating or eating the wrong kind of food. Such a person dare not be a
glutton. The diet must be simple, nutritious, but food that is easily
digested. Any food that causes trouble must be avoided; starchy foods,
spiced foods, rich greasy foods, are not healthy for such a person. The
stomach must be carefully treated by such a patient. The bowels should
move daily. The kidneys should always do good work and pass enough urine
and of the right color and consistency. Stimulants like alcohol, tea and
coffee are not to be used. Weak cocoa is all right in most cases. Hot
water, if any drink must be taken, at meals. Such a patient in order to
live and live comfortably, must take life easy. He cannot afford to run,
to over lift, or over exert, to walk fast upstairs, hurry or to "catch the
car." He must not get angry or excited. Games of all kinds that have a
tendency to make him nervous must be avoided. The same caution applies to
exciting literature. In short, a patient with organic heart disease must
be a drone in the hum of this busy, fast-rushing life, if he would hope to
keep the spark of life for many years. Sleep, rest and quiet is a better
motto for you than the strenuous life.
The Heart.--The heart is the central organ of the entire system and
consists of a hollow muscle; by its contraction the blood is pumped to all
parts of the body through a complicated series of tubes, termed arteries.
The arteries undergo enormous ramifications (branchings) in their course
throughout the body and end in very minute vessels, called arterioles,
which in their turn open into a close meshed network of microscopic (very
minute) vessels, termed capillaries. After the blood has passed through
the capillaries it is collected into a series of larger vessels called
veins by which it is returned to the heart. The passage of the blood
through the heart and blood vessels constitutes what is termed the
circulation of the blood. The human heart is divided by a septum
(partition) into two halves, right and left, each half being further
constricted into, two cavities, the upper of the two being termed the
auricle and the lower the ventricle. The heart consists of four chambers
or cavities, two forming the right half, the right auricle and right
ventricle, and two forming the left half, the left auricle and left
ventricle. The right half of the heart contains the venous or impure
blood; the left the arterial or pure blood. From the cavity of the left
ventricle the pure blood is carried into a large artery, the aorta,
through the numerous branches of which it is distributed to all parts of
the body, with the exception of the lungs. In its passage through the
capillaries of the body the blood gives up to the tissues the material
necessary for their growth and nourishment and at the same time receives
from the tissues the waste products resulting from their metabolism, that
is, the building up and tearing down of the tissues, and in so doing
becomes changed from arterial or pure blood into venous or impure blood,
which is collected by the veins and through them returned to the right
auricle of the heart.
From this cavity the impure blood passes into the right ventricle from
which it is conveyed through the pulmonary (lung) arteries to the lungs.
In the capillaries of the lungs it again becomes arterialized by the air
that fills the lungs and is then carried to the left auricle by the
pulmonary veins. From this cavity it passes into that of the left
ventricle, from which the cycle once more begins. The heart, then, is a
hollow muscular organ of a conical form, placed between the lungs and
enclosed in the cavity of the pericardium. It is placed obliquely in the
chest. The broad attached end or base is directed upwards, backwards and
to the right and extends up to the right as high as the second rib and the
center of the base lies near the surface underneath the breast bone. The
apex (point) is directed downwards, forward and to the left and
corresponds to the space between the cartilage of the fifth and sixth
ribs, three-fourths of an inch to the inner side, and one and one-half
inches below the nipple, or about three and one-half inches from the
middle line of the breast bone. The heart is placed behind the lower two-
thirds of the breast bone and extends from the median line three inches to
the left half of the cavity of the chest and one and one-half inches to
the right half of the cavity of the chest.
Simple Kind, Cause.--Occurs at all ages, but most often in children and
young adults. It most frequently comes with acute rheumatism, chorea,
tonsilitis, scarlet fever, and pneumonia. The valves in the left heart are
most often affected, the mitral simply swollen or bearing small growths.
The feelings of the patient must control the amount of exercise; so long
as no heart distress or palpitation follows, moderate exercise will be of
great help. A daily bath is good. No hot baths should be taken and a
Turkish bath absolutely prohibited. For the full-blooded, fleshy patient
an occasional dose of salts should be taken. Patients with a valvular
trouble should not go into any very high altitudes; over-exertion, mental
worry and poor digestion are harmful.
The first thing we notice in looking at the eye may be the lids and at
each edge are the eyelashes. When this edge becomes inflamed it is called
Blenharitis Marginalis or inflammation of the margin of the eyelids. It is
called thus from the name of the eyelid "Blepharon;" It is always means
inflammation.
If we turn down the lower lid and turn up the upper, we see a red membrane
called the conjunctiva (connecting). This is the mucous membrane of the
eye. It lines the inner surface of both lids and is reflected over the
fore part of the Sclerotic and Cornea--two other coats of the eye, The
palpebral or eyelid portion of the conjunctiva is thick, opaque, highly
vascular (filled with blood vessels) and covered with numerous papillae.
It turns back (reflects) over the Cornea, but it consists only of a very
thin structure (epithelium) forming the anterior layer of the cornea and
is, in health, perfectly transparent. Upon the sclerotic it is loosely
attached to the globe. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed it is called
(Conjunctiv(a)itis) conjunctivitis. The sclerotic-cornea forms the
external tunic (coat) of the eyeball, the sclerotic being opaque and
forming the posterior five-sixths of the globe; the cornea, which forms
the remaining sixth (the front white part that is plainly seen) being
transparent. The sclerotic (means dense and hard) serves to maintain the
form of the globe, the eyeball.
The second tunic or coat (membrane) is formed from behind forward by the
Choroid, the ciliary body and the Iris. The choroid is the vascular and
dark coat covering the posterior five-sixths of the globe. The ciliary
body connects the choroid to the circumference of the iris. The iris is
the circular muscular septum (division) which hangs vertically behind the
cornea, presenting in its center a large rounded opening, the pupil.
The ciliary body comprises three muscles for its make-up and connects the
choroid to the circumference of the iris.
The Iris (rainbow) has received its name from its various colors in
different individuals. It is a thin, circular shaped, contractile curtain,
suspended in the aqueous (watery) humor behind the cornea and in front of
the lens, being perforated a little to the nasal (nose) side of its centre
by a circular opening, the pupil, for the transmission of light. By its
circumference it is continuous with the ciliary body, and its inner or
free edge forms the margin of the pupil. The anterior surface of the iris
is variously colored in different individuals and marked by lines which
converge toward the pupil.
The vitreous body forms about four-fifths of the entire globe, It fills
the concavity of the retina and is hollowed in front, forming a deep
cavity, for the reception of the lens. It is perfectly transparent and of
the consistency of thin jelly. The fluid from the vitreous body resembles
nearly pure water. The crystalline lens enclosed in its capsule is
situated immediately behind the pupil, in front of the vitreous body. The
lens is a transparent, double-convex body. It is more convex on the
posterior than on the anterior surface. The rays of light go through this
body and converge to a point at the back of the retina.
Symptoms.--The red swelling along the roots of the lashes is often the
only symptom. This comes and goes at the least excuse, such as eye strain,
late hours, dust and wind. Scales and dust form in the severe forms, of
the disease. It is most common in children, extends over many years and
may finally result in the loss of the lashes, with the edge of the lid,
thickened, reddened and turned out.
Local treatment.--Keep the parts thoroughly clean. The edges of the lids
should be washed carefully with soap and warm water or mild solution of
borax or soda until the crusts are all cleaned off and then use at night
an ointment composed of the following ingredients:
Mix and make an ointment and rub on the edge of the lids every night,
first cleaning them. The conjunctivitis must be cured.
Treatment.--First: Use gauze or cotton and dip in ice or cold water and
apply to the eyelids. A wash of hot water can be used to cleanse the eye
or ten to sixty grains (one teaspoonful) of boric acid to an ounce of
water can be used as a wash also.
Alum 3 grains
Sulphate of Zinc 2 grains
Distilled Water 1 ounce
Mix and drop one drop into the eye two or three times daily. A weak
solution of tea can be used also as a wash. Anoint the lids at night with
white (tube) vaselin.
Causes.--Mild cases may come from a less violent form of infection from
the mother's discharge from the vagina, or from outside causes. The
majority of the severe cases is due to a poison (the gonococcus
infection).
If the pus is not cleaned from the eye, the cornea may look dim and ulcers
may appear. If the ulcer eats through the cornea the iris is apt to be
caught in the opening and in the scar resulting from the ulcer. The cornea
may later bulge and protrude or the disease may involve the whole eye in
an inflammation which may destroy it.
The result generally depends upon how soon treatment is begun. If attended
to early the great majority of cases recover. It is serious to neglect
early treatment for this disease. It causes a great many cases of
blindness and generally the cases are neglected too long. Treatment must
begin before the disease begins. Immediately at the birth of the child,
when if there is any poison in the eye due to a discharge in the mother's
vagina, it can be immediately cleansed.
As soon as any redness appears the eye should be frequently bathed with
this warm, weak solution of boric acid and sometimes cold compresses
should be used by taking squares of folded gauze or masses of absorbent
cotton. Take them cold from a block of ice and lay them over the eyes, and
keep constantly changing to keep them cold. This relieves the congestion
and prevents a great amount of blood from flowing and settling
(congestion) there. When pus appears in the eye it should be cleansed
every half hour at least. You can do this by letting the solution run over
it from a medicine dropper. After being allowed to trickle from the outer
to the inner angle (corner) of the eye, it will then run down beside the
nose and can be caught in a piece of absorbent cotton or sponge. If there
is a great amount of pus in the eye, the eye may have to be washed out in
this manner, every fifteen minutes, day and night, so that the cornea will
be kept clean. If this must be done a small fountain syringe with a glass
tube (eye-dropper) attached will cause a steady flow of the solution. The
boric acid can be increased to five or ten grains to the ounce of water.
If only one eye is diseased the other eye may be covered.
All cloths, etc., should be burned at once and the basin which has held
them, filled with carbolic acid solution of the strength of one part acid
to twenty parts water. The nurse's hands should be thoroughly scrubbed in
hot water and soap and disinfected in the same strength of carbolic acid
solution, as the disease is very contagious and dangerous to adults. An
attendant should not touch her face or hair with her hands unless they
have been washed quite clean. The conjunctiva should be brushed with a
solution of nitrate of silver of two per cent strength (two parts to one
hundred of distilled water) and then neutralized with a salt solution, not
strong enough to burn.
When the cornea is diseased one per cent solution of atropine may be
necessary once or twice a day.
Treatment. Preventive.--When the cornea has been injured and there has
been some rubbing off of its tissue (abrasion) mild antiseptic solution in
the form of eye drops should be used. Boric acid, as much as will dissolve
in warm, distilled water and some dropped in the eye three or four times a
day. If there is a foreign body in the cornea, clean instruments should be
used to remove it. The cocaine used to render the eye painless must be
pure.
General Treatment.--If the patient is "run down" the general system should
be built up.
Symptoms.--More or less severe pain in the eye, forehead and temple, worse
in the night and early morning especially. There is fear of the light and
the eyes water very much. The sight is affected and there may be some
fever. On examination the lids are found swollen and red, the eyeball
shows congestion in the cornea and ciliary body, with some congestion of
the conjunctiva. The cornea looks hazy. The anterior surface of the iris
looks muddy and does not look so fine and delicate. The pupil is small and
the light does not make it contract readily. If atropine is put in the eye
(one per cent solution) the pupil will not dilate regularly, because at
different points the pupillary edge of the iris is held to the lens by an
exudate that lightly holds it.
Course and Recovery.--The disease may occur at any age, but it is most
common in children. It may last from one to six weeks.
The diet should consist of milk to a great extent. Water of course can be
taken freely. Soups, broths, gruels, etc., can be used if desired; but
meats should be withheld for a time unless the patient runs down.
SENILE CATARACT.--The vast majority of these cataracts are found after the
age of fifty. They simply come without any known cause. Of course, injury
can cause a cataract and it is then called traumatic cataract.
The result of an operation depends upon the condition of the eye. The eye
should be free from evidence of disease. "The anterior chamber should be
of normal depth. The pupil should react to light. There should be a
homogeneous (all alike) white or gray opacity immediately back of the
pupil, with no shadow from the edge of the pupil (except in cases of
sclerosis, already mentioned). A candle carried on all sides of the
patient while the eye is fixed, should be properly located by him. The
tension of the eyeball should be normal."
This is a rare disease, but it may occur when one eye is injured or
diseased and on the first indication of trouble in the injured eye the
other eye should be closely watched for symptoms of sympathetic trouble so
that if can be removed.
Course.--It usually appears between the third week and the sixth month
after the original injury. "The extreme limits are two weeks and twenty
years." The sound eye is likely to be attacked when the exciting eye is in
a state of active inflammation.
Lens.--A lens is made of glass and prisms graded in strength, one surface
curved, and has the power of refracting or changing the direction of the
rays of light. A prism is wedge-shaped and bends rays of light towards its
base. A great many people are troubled with their eyes, much more than
years ago. We even see little children wearing glasses. It is unfortunate,
but true, that even more children and grown people should wear them.
Fitting glasses is an art in itself. It takes more ability to fit glasses
well than it does to operate well. Poorly-fitted glasses are not only
annoying to the wearer, but dangerous. Glasses rest the eyes, not tire
them. When the eyes water and feel tired or strained, even after using
them but little, glasses are needed. Headaches are frequently caused by
the eye strain. When glasses are needed it does not pay to put off getting
them and the person needing them should go to one competent to properly
fit them. A great many eyes are hard to fit, and they need not only
ability to fit them well, but time and attention must be given to fitting
them properly.
4. Sore Eyes, Common Remedy for.--"Use a wash night and morning of common
table salt and water." This is often sold by druggists for 10 or 15 cents
an ounce under a medical name.
6. Sore Eyes. Borax and Camphor Good Wash for.--"Borax one teaspoonful,
spirits of camphor fifteen drops, distilled water one-half cupful. This
makes a fine wash for sore eyes, and is perfectly harmless."
[358 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Steep the root and tea for a few minutes in a pint of boiling water; while
cooling add the sulphate of zinc; when cold strain well and bottle. Use as
an eye wash three times a day. In severe cases a poultice is useful, made
of pulverized slippery elm and warm milk and water. All eye washes should
be used with caution and especially those containing belladonna or caustic
solutions,"
Mix, drop one or two drops in the eye four times a day.
Membrane Tympani (drum) which separates the external ear from the tympanic
cavity. To examine the drum, you must pull the ear backward and outward to
make the canal straight.
The Tympanum or Middle Ear.--This cavity just beyond the drum, which forms
the greater part of its outer wall, is an irregular cavity, compressed
from without inward and situated in the petrous bone. The mastoid cells
lie behind. It is filled with air and communicates with the nose-pharynx
(naso-pharynx) by the eustachian tube. The upper portion of this cavity,
the attic, lies immediately below the middle lobe of the brain, separated
from it by a thin layer of bone, which forms the roof of the cavity. This
cavity is separated from the internal ear.
The Eustachian tube.--This is the channel through which the middle ear
communicates with the pharynx. With an opening in the anterior of the
middle ear, a bony canal passes from this point, inward, forward, and
downward through the petrous bone, when it merges into a cartilaginous
canal, which terminates in a funnel-shaped protuberance, with a slit-like
orifice, located in the nose pharynx. This is the eustachian tube. It is
lined with mucous membrane like the throat. The air goes up from the
throat, through this canal to the middle ear. The mucous membrane of the
middle ear is continuous with that of the nose-pharynx through the
eustachian tube. So you can readily understand how easy it is for an
inflammation of the throat to extend to the middle ear through the
eustachian tube.
The posterior wall which has the greatest height, reveals in its upper
portion a passage (antrum) through which the vault of the tympanum (attic)
communicates with the cells of the mastoid process, situated posteriorly.
From this description you see how near to each other these parts are
placed and when one becomes diseased the disease can extend to the other
part or parts. The brain is separated from some of these cavities by a
very thin shell of bone, and the disease can soon affect the brain through
infection or breaking through the thin structures that separates the
parts.
Diseases of the middle ear and the mastoid are always to be considered
serious, and should be very closely watched. A child with a running ear is
in danger, for it may at any time become closed up and serious.
Causes.--Soaps, alkalies, foreign bodies in the ear, removing ear wax and
a chronic discharge from the middle ear. There is a tendency to it in some
families; stomach trouble, improper food are also causes.
Symptoms.--A large mass of wax may remain in the ear for many years
without causing any special loss of hearing so long as the plug does not
rest against the drum and there remains a passage between the mass so that
the sound-waves can strike the drum. Generally the hearing gradually grows
less. Loss of hearing may take place suddenly, as after washing the head,
or after a general bath, or after an attempt to clean the ear with the end
of a towel. Patients will often say the dullness of hearing appeared
suddenly. This no doubt was due to the fact that the mass of wax was
displaced against the drum suddenly by an unusual movement of the head or
the jaws, or the mass became swollen through fluids getting into the
canal. If the canal is filled there will be more or less deafness, ringing
in the ear, and there may be piercing pain produced by the hardened mass,
especially if the jaws are moved from side to side. If the mass is
thoroughly and carefully removed, the hearing may entirely return if it
was caused by this wax.
DISEASE OF THE MIDDLE EAR.--The ordinary cold in the head rarely runs its
course without one of the eustachian tubes at least is involved to some
extent.
Symptoms.--The ear may feel full and numb, roaring in the ear may occur.
There may be pain on swallowing, shooting up through the tube.
Treatment.--Remove the cause. Treat the nose and pharynx. Spray and gargle
with solutions advised for throat trouble. If it continues the throat
should be examined for adenoids, enlarged turbinate bones and so on.
Inflammation of the eustachian tube is, in many cases, simply the first
stage or onset of this disease. The congestion extends beyond the tube and
involves to a greater or less degree this cavity. If it continues for a
few hours or an entire day, the watery elements of the blood will begin to
escape from the distended vessels into the tissues of the mucous membrane
and ooze out upon its free surface. If this is copious enough pressure may
be developed within the cavity, middle-ear, to cause pain. These cases
vary much in severity. In the mildest ones there may be a few twinges of
pain in the affected ear, but nothing more; and even in the most severe
cases the pain does not last longer than a few hours, although it may
return on several successive days. Very many of the earaches of young
children, from two to ten years of age, are due to this disease. The pain
is very likely to come on late in the afternoon or during the night, while
earlier in the day the child may be free from pain. In the milder forms
the condition of the drum is similar to that existing in inflammation of
the eustachian tube. It is not then much changed from normal. There may be
more congestion than in this condition. In a fairly severe case the
membrane (drum) a few hours after the onset presents a most striking
change. It is a picture of obstructed venous (dark blood) circulation of a
high degree. In some cases one or more of these distended veins may
rupture and form a blood tumor in the external ear canal. The drum is red
and more or less swollen.
Treatment.--Very little is needed for this kind, except care and watching.
Use the simple hot water in the ear carefully or poulticing when there is
pain with onions, bread and milk, and puncture of the drum if it bulges or
is too tense. Hot water for gargle, steaming of the pharynx. Keep the
patient in a room with an even temperature. The patient must not take cold
as it might extend farther.
SEROUS MUCOUS EXUDATION INTO THE MIDDLE EAR.--The disease just described
is often associated with an (exudation) watery oozing of fluid into the
middle ear, but the following condition is different. Sometimes a
comparatively normal middle ear is found to contain a variable amount of
either fluid or mucus, or a fluid which represents a combination of both.
The failure of the fluid to absorb is due first to the fact that the
drainage through the eustachian tube is still obstructed; second, that the
absorbing process in the cavity is not acting normally.
The course of this disease has of recent years been growing more
favorable, because the causes are being removed more and more.
Causes.--The same causes that produce the acute variety will produce this
variety of the disease. It occurs more frequently during the spring and
fall months as the result of changes in the climate. Acute and chronic
catarrh of the nose and pharynx are causes. It frequently occurs in
connection with scarlet fever and measles. It complicates nose and
pharyngeal diphtheria.
How to apply heat.--With the patient lying on his side with the affected
ear turned upward, fill the external ear canal with hot water (about 105
degrees F.), then place immediately over the affected ear a hot flaxseed
meal poultice, five or six inches square and one-half inch thick, and
spread a folded blanket or shawl over the whole to keep it warm as long as
possible. Bread and milk with catnip, or onions will do if flaxseed is not
at hand. The flaxseed holds the heat longer. Water is a good conductor of
heat, and that which fills the external auditory (ear) canal may rightly
be considered as an arm of the poultice which extends down to the drum
itself.
Leeches also can be applied in front and below the tragus (front of the
opening). If the symptoms do not improve under this treatment and
especially if the drum is bulging, an opening should be made at the
bulging point of the drum. The canal is now syringed with a warm
antiseptic solution--like one part listerine, etc., to twenty parts of
warm boiled water, with a clean syringe, or warm boiled water can be used
alone. If there is any odor carbolic acid one part, to fifty or sixty of
water can be used. A strip of sterile gauze is put into the canal for
drainage and protection. This syringing can be done from two to four to
five times a day, and gradually decrease the number of times as the
discharge lessens. It must be syringed and dressed often enough to allow a
free discharge and produce cleanliness.
Caution.--A person who has had this disease should be very careful not to
take cold. The patient should take plenty of time to get well and strong.
The diet should be liquid mostly.
Symptoms.--The main symptom is the discharge from the ear. This may be
abundant or scanty. It may stop for a time and begin again. The hearing
may be slightly or seriously impaired. Such patients are not accepted by
life insurance companies.
The diet should be liquid (milk), nourishing and sustaining. Bowels should
be kept open.
Chronic deafness is hard to cure; so often some of the deeper parts of the
ear are diseased. When a person recognizes that his hearing is growing
less acute he should have his ear examined. People often let the trouble
go too long before beginning treatment.
8. Earache, Steaming With Hot Water for.--"Steam the ear and side of the
head with cloths wrung out of hot water; put feet in hot mustard water; do
not put anything in the ear but keep steaming it and you will find relief
in a few hours, even if it is a gathering."
[Illustraion: SKELETON.]
[DEFORMITIES 369]
9. Earache, Castor Oil for.--"Put a drop of castor oil in the ear. Fill
hot water bag and warm the ear that aches."
10. Earache, Fresh Warm Milk for.--"The warm milk from a cow will cure
earache and has also been known to cure deafness." While still warm from
the cow drop a little in the ear.
DEFORMITIES.
HARE-LIP.--This is due to the fact that the flesh or bony parts do not
quite properly unite. It may form a single or double hare-lip, or
complicated, or it may involve the soft parts, or the hard (bony) and soft
parts at the same time. It is always to one or the other side of the
middle line. It is double hair-lip in about one-tenth of the cases, and
when double it is frequently complicated with cleft palate.
CLEFT PALATE.--The bones that form the hard palate do not unite in the
median line and a longitudinal opening is left in the roof of the mouth.
This is called Cleft Palate.
It usually shows itself soon after the child begins to walk, but may not
do so until puberty,--rarely later. It is due in the child to rickets; in
the latter form, it is caused by an occupation that requires continued
standing, by a person of feeble development of the muscles and ligaments.
"Flat-foot" is often associated with it and, at times, may be the real
cause. It may affect one or both knees, may be so slight as to escape
detection, except upon a very careful examination, or so severe as to
separate the feet very widely and render walking difficult and wobbling.
In children other symptoms of rickets can generally be found. If not
severe it may often get better spontaneously as the rickets condition
improves and the general strength increases. This result is common in the
cases occurring later, from standing if the general condition improves.
BOW LEGS. (Genu Varum).--This is the opposite of knock knees, and the
deformity usually affects both limbs, the knees being widely separated.
The disease begins in early childhood; the cause is rickets, and the
deformity is the direct result of the weight of the body and muscular
action.
[DEFORMITIES 371]
1. The heel may be drawn up and the foot extended (Talipes Equinus).
4. The foot may be drawn outward, abducted, (Talipes Valgus); or, two may
be combined, extended, and drawn inward (Equino Varus).
In the congenital (born with it) variety the displacement is almost always
one of adduction, that is, drawn inward, with commonly some elevation of
the heel. It generally affects both feet, but it may be confined to one
and if only one is affected, the right is oftener affected than the left.
The deformity varies. At the time of birth and for some months afterwards
the deformity can usually be corrected by proper manipulation, but later,
if left to itself, it becomes in greater or less measure fixed, because of
the muscular contraction, and developed changes in the shape of the bones.
ALCOHOLISM. Acute Symptoms.--The face is flushed, the breath has the odor
of liquor, the pulse is full and bounding with deep respiration. Reason,
memory, judgment and will are first stimulated and then blunted. The
drinker's peculiarities are exaggerated, the person becoming affectionate
or quarrelsome. There is a loss of coordination as shown by the
staggering, swinging, the relaxation of the muscles, and finally deep
sleep, with snoring breathing. The person is unconscious, but can be
partly aroused and will mutter when questioned or disturbed. The pupils
are contracted or dilated, and they will dilate when the face is slapped.
The urine is increased, but it is often retained.
Symptoms.--The face is red, the capillaries are dilated, eyes are watery,
conjunctiva is congested. There is chronic inflammation of the stomach,
which is characterized by morning vomiting; there is often hardening of
the liver, trembling of the hands and tongue; the memory is weakened and
judgment and will as well, especially until a stimulant has been taken;
often the person is irritable, careless, with loss of moral sense and in
extreme cases dementia. Peripheral neuritis is more common in men than in
women. It begins with sharp pain and tingling in the feet and hands;
paralysis affects the lower extremities, then the upper, and is most
marked in the further muscles of the limbs. The pain may be very severe,
with great tenderness. There is Arteriosclerosis (hardening of walls of
the arteries); often heart dilation.
Ten drops of this solution for injection, which equals one thirty-second
grain of gold tribromide." This is an active tonic, powerful sedative and
destroys the appetite or cravings for alcoholic stimulants; the medicine
is to be taken regularly four or five times a day for several weeks until
the alcohol is out of the system even though he may appear cured. This is
a good remedy, but should be given under the supervision of a doctor.
For chronic poisoning remove the cause. Potassium iodide, five to ten
grains three times a day. Not to be given in acute cases or when the
symptoms are very severe, until what is in the bowels is removed.
Treatment.--In all cases empty the stomach by emetics or stomach tube and
the bowels by cathartics. Stimulate if necessary.
Symptoms.--The patient may be struck down and die very soon with symptoms
of failure of the heart, difficult breathing and coma. This kind is most
frequent in soldiers. In ordinary cases there may be failure to perspire,
premonitory headache, dizziness, sometimes nausea and vomiting, colored or
poor sight (vision); insensibility follows, which may be temporary or
increased deep coma. The face is flushed, the skin is dry and hot, the
pupils are temporarily dilated, then usually greatly contracted, the pulse
is rapid and full, and the temperature ranges from 107 to 110 degrees or
higher. The breathing is deep, labored and snoring (stortorous). Usually
there is complete muscular relaxation, with twitchings, jerkings, or very
rarely convulsions may occur. In fatal cases, coma (deep sleep) deepens,
the pulse becomes more frequent and feeble, the breathing becomes more
hurried, shallow and irregular and death may occur within twenty-four to
thirty-six hours. In others, the consciousness returns, the temperature
falls, the pulse and breathing become normal and recovery may be complete
or leave bad results. The patient may be predisposed to future attacks or
suffer from weakness or headache, and disturbance of the mind when ever
the weather is warm.
2. Raise the feet and lower his head, unless blueness of the face occurs.
3. Make the patient warm by applying warm coverings and hot water bottles,
bricks or wood.
5. If necessary the legs and arms can be bandaged beginning at the feet
and hands and then bandage up. Use above in order given.
FAINTING.--Place the patient on her back, with the head low and feet
raised unless the face is flushed. The face is generally pale.
Cold water on the face with cloths. It is not necessary to wet her all
over. Ammonia or camphor near the nostrils to inhale. Lie still for some
time and do not attempt to rise while still feeling dizzy or faint.
DOG BITES (Not Rabid).--Treat the same as for any torn wound, wash out
thoroughly with hot water and an ounce of salt in a pint of water. There
is no danger of hydrophobia from the bite of a dog, cat or any animal
unless that animal has hydrophobia. No one can take hydrophobia from an
animal that does not have it. (See Hydrophobia).
If such agents are not at hand, brandy or whisky should be given freely.
The pulse will show when the patient has had enough.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. INSECT AND OTHER BITES.--1. Simply Use Pepper for Dog
Bite.--"My son had his hand bitten by a dog and it was over a week before
it was brought to my notice. The sore was then filled with green pus and
the pain went up to his jaw, so we were afraid of lockjaw. I had him
cleanse it thoroughly in a basin of warm saleratus water, then filled and
thickly covered it with black pepper. The pain stopped almost instantly.
It seems as though pepper would smart a cut terribly, but it does not."
This is a good remedy and worth trying. The black pepper did not smart the
wound because the flesh was dead.
2. Bites, Tobacco Good for Dog.--"Immediately wash the parts with clear
water; then take leaf or cut tobacco and bind over the part bitten,
changing it two or three times a day for a week. This effectually absorbs
the poison. It is a good prevention of any future trouble."
3. Bites, Ammonia Good for Insect.--"Rub the affected parts with ammonia,
which will draw out the poison. For mosquito bites have often used baking
soda. This always gives relief and is very cooling."
4. Bites, Baking Soda for Insect.--"Cover the affected parts with baking
soda and keep moist." A mud poultice is an old tried remedy.
8. Bites, Salt Water for Mosquito.--"Take salt and water in a little dish
and keep wetting the bite for a few moments. This will soon destroy the
poison," This will be found a very simple but effective remedy, especially
in children or small babies, as we mothers all know how very annoying a
mosquito bite is to children. The salt water will remove all the poison
and at the same time relieve the itching and swelling. Care should be
taken not to make it too strong for a small baby.
DISLOCATION OF THE JAW.--It is not possible to close the mouth. The chin
is too far forward. The jaw may turn toward the other side in one-sided
dislocation.
Sometimes it is necessary to hold the jaw in place for some days. For that
purpose the bandage for a broken jaw can be used.
Treatment.--Carry the elbow to the side with the forearm at right angles
to the arm: turn the arm around until the forearm points away from the
body. Then carry the arm up from the body until it is level with the
shoulder. In this position gradually rotate the arm again and then bring
the arm to the side, with the forearm across the chest, hand pointing to
the other shoulder when it should be bandaged by pieces of bandages three
inches wide passing around the arm, elbow and body. A pad should be placed
under the hand to keep it from making the flesh sore.
Compound fracture is where the broken bone sticks out through the skin.
Impacted is where one part of the broken bone is driven into the other
part.
Green stick break. This is not really a break, but only a bending of the
bone, seen mostly in children.
Bandages for fractures can be made of muslin. They should be six to eight
to twelve yards long for large bones.
An old sheet can be used and the ends of the strips sewed together and
then wrapped tight in a roll, with the ravelings from the sides removed.
The bandage should be started from the end of the limb, wrapped towards
the body. They should not be wrapped so tightly as to shut off
circulation,
For the Forearm.--Two padded splints three to four inches wide and long
enough to take in the hand also should be applied, one to the thumb, and
the other to the back of the forearm, slight extension being made by
pulling on the patient's hand. This pulls the broken end in place. Tie on
the splints over the hand, wrist and just below the elbow. Two or three
wraps of adhesive plaster or five or six wraps of a bandage or
handkerchief or towel folded and pinned will temporarily hold the limb in
place. Put on a sling reaching from the finger tips to beyond the elbow.
For the Arm.--Put on two padded splints from the shoulder to the elbow,
one in front and the one behind, and bind on at the bottom and top. Then
place the forearm on the chest pointing to the well or sound shoulder and
bind the arm with bandages or a long towel to the body.
For a Broken Leg.--Pull on the foot gently to make slight extension, and
lift the leg on a pillow or some sort of pad, and tie this firmly about
the leg; or broad strips of wood may be padded and placed on either side
of the broken leg and securely tied.
For a Broken Thigh, Upper Leg.--The splint should extend from under the
arm to the ankle, padded and bound to the body and to the leg by means of
long towels or pieces of sheeting applied six inches apart. If the patient
is in a wagon and no splint can be had, bags of dirt or sand applied
around the thigh will hold some. But there is always something at hand to
use as a splint and to bind the splint to the leg.
For a Broken Collar Bone.--Place the patient on his back if he is to be
moved and put a firm pad in the arm pit and bind the arm to the side with
the forearm across the chest; or if you have a roll of adhesive plaster
two or three inches wide, after putting a pad in the arm pit (sometimes
this is not necessary) put the adhesive strip around the arm midway to the
shoulder. The arm should be lifted up and a little back. Run the strip of
adhesive plaster around the body and fasten to the first part. Then put
another strip fast to the band around the arm and run this down around the
bent elbow and over the forearm placed on the chest, the fingers pointing
to the sound shoulder. This strip can pass over the sound collar bone and
fasten to the strip about the body. If it is put on properly, the injured
part will feel comfortable.
If the injury causes bleeding, the wound should be washed with clean linen
and boiled water and covered with clean linen. To wash the wound, one
teaspoonful of salt to one pint of boiled water. Salt is usually at hand.
If an artery is cut, this bleeding must be stopped. The blood spurts out.
Press your hands hard on the back of the thigh towards the body of the
wound. Another should tie some cloth around the thigh above the wound
tightly. It can be made tighter by putting a stick under the band and
twisting it around as much as possible. Raise the leg high up and put the
head low. If the cut is below the knee or on the foot, bend the leg back.
First put a pad or your fist in under the knee joint and bend leg over the
pad or your fist. Sometimes the spurting artery can be caught or pressed
upon with your finger. If the arm is injured, bandage as for the thigh. If
the forearm, the same as for the leg.
If a finger is cut clean off, pick the piece up and wash it and the stump
clean and then place the cut off part against the stump and tie on, or
stick on with adhesive plaster. It sometimes grows fast.
SPRAINS.--Sprains or wrenches of the joints are caused by a twist or a
blow. The injury consists in the tear or rupture of a number of the fibres
of the ligaments.
3. Sprains, Turpentine Most Common Remedy for.--"Rub the injured part with
turpentine and keep warm and you will find this remedy to be one of the
best to keep proud flesh out that has ever been used. I always have
turpentine in my home and find that I have to use it often, and it always
does as I said above, if once used you will never be without it."
4. Sprains, Quick Relief for.--"Bathe the parts with hot water as hot as
one can bear it and relief comes at once." This is an old tried remedy,
but if hot water does not give relief use cold water.
5. Sprains, Relieves Pain of.--"Put warm woolen cloth over sprain, drip
hot water as hot as can be borne on cloth for half hour. Bathe with
spirits of camphor."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Sprains.--Rest for a time (for some weeks). The
parts should be raised to lessen the blood supply. Hot applications,
through fomentations, or cold evaporations, lotions, massage later, and
support with a pad and a firm bandage, in some cases. When there is not
much swelling, a plaster of Paris bandage is sometimes applied at once in
order that absolute rest can be secured.
4. Lead and Laudanum Wash.--This should not be used if the skin is broken.
Then the laudanum, three-fourths water, can be used alone. Composition of
lead and laudanum wash, proportions four parts of undiluted lead water,
diluted with sixteen parts of water to one of laudanum. This can be made
stronger in the laudanum.
BURNS. SCALDS.--
A superficial burn, upon a young child, that involves the third of the
body will almost certainly prove fatal, while a very deep burn, provided
it is localized, may not be so serious, unless important nerves and blood
vessels have been destroyed.
First degree are those burns that only affect the outer or superficial
layer of the skin, producing a redness with some small vesicles.
Second degree burns: These extend through the true skin and blisters
result.
Third degree burns: This goes down underneath and involves the deeper
tissues. Charring and destruction of tissue takes place.
3. "Apply crushed onion poultice; cover to keep out the air. This will
soon extract the heat and pain." Onions seem to possess many medicinal
properties. They are very soothing, and in a case of scalds keep out the
air and relieve the pain.
Mix all together and let this simmer about three hours slowly, strain it
and put in a jar."
6. Scalds, Sweet Oil Soothing for.--"I know of nothing better than equal
parts of sweet oil and lime water." This is very good and should be
applied freely.
Liquid Forms.--If the blisters are large, open them with a clean
(sterile-boiled) instrument (scissors or knife) and absorb the fluid with
a clean gauze. Then dissolve bicarbonate of soda in water--a saturated
solution. This term means as much soda as the water will dissolve. Then
gauze, lint or linen pads may be wrung out of this solution or the same
strength of boric acid solution and applied. Put over this a layer of
clean cotton and hold in place by a bandage or strip of adhesive plaster.
(Keep parts always moist). Baking soda will do about as well as
bicarbonate of soda.
Oil and ointments are also very beneficial. Spread the ointments or oil
over the burn thick and cover with lint or soft linen, and change
frequently to keep from smelling badly.
1. Carron oil made of equal parts of lime-water and linseed oil is good.
3. Cosmoline, Vaselin, Pineoline (salves) are all good; they cover and
protect.
5. Thick lather from any good pure soap spread over the part thick and
then covered with the cloth dressing. This is very good and is always at
hand.
This salt water dressing can be moistened and changed when necessary.
Mix the wax in a tin cup, then add the lard, when all is melted remove
from the fire and stir till cool, then add the salicylic acid and continue
stirring until cold. This makes an excellent covering, excludes the air.
The following is not very pleasant to think about, but farmers have
frequently used it: Cow manure as a poultice.
Another: The inner bark of elder boiled in cream. Use the salve resulting.
This is good for burns and sores.
Another: Slippery elm bark tea boiled down so it will be thick and oily,
is very good.
Some claim that immersing the part in milk and keeping it so is a very
good remedy. We know that cream is, but it will soon become rancid.
Another:
Cleanse the burns of dirt and charred clothing and then soak strips of
clean gauze in this solution and apply to the part. Place over this a pad
of dry absorbent cotton which can be fastened by a light bandage or
adhesive straps. The dressing dries rapidly, and may be left in place for
several days. Then moisten it with the same solution so as to soften the
dressing and remove it. Then apply a fresh dressing of the same kind and
leave on a week. This dressing soon relieves the pain, prevents the
formation of matter (pus), hastens healing and, leaves a smooth surface.
The dressing stains the hands so it is best applied with rubber gloves.
This is good for all degree burns.
For Severe Case.--There may be and is shock and great weakness after some
burns. The patient should be put to bed and given strong black coffee, or
if you have it one teaspoonful of aromatic spirits of ammonia in a glass
of water. Hot water bags and jars should be applied to the feet and one
teaspoonful of paregoric may be given to an adult for the pain. Give the
patient ice to hold in his mouth, as he is very thirsty. Cold water and
milk to drink also. If the burn is severe put oil cloth or rubber on the
bed to protect the bed from the wet dressing. Do not put a night-shirt or
pajamas on him, as it pains to remove and renew the dressings, if such are
used as need frequent removal and renewal. Cover warmly, but keep covers
lifted so that their weight will not give unnecessary pain. The bowels can
be kept open with soap-suds enemas. Watch carefully, especially a man, if
urine is passed and enough in quantity. It must be drawn if it is not
passed within twelve hours.
For Third Degree Burns.--In this kind there is a great shock. Stimulate
the patient with whisky, etc. Put one ounce in a glass one-half full of
water, and give two teaspoonfuls frequently, dependent upon how much
stimulant the patient has ever used; or an enema of one ounce of hot
coffee can be given.
The first dressings may be the same, but when the patient is stronger
others should be used.
Warm Baths are now used when the deep tissues are burned, and the sloughs
and charred material are removed.
When convenient, begin with a warm tub bath, with boric acid added to the
water--handful to the tub. This is good for stimulating purposes, and
also to relieve pain and for cleansing the surfaces before the
applications of the dressings, these can be of those recommended.
When the air passages have been scalded by hot steam or hot liquids, the
steam of lime-water, not too hot, may soothe.
Burns from Acid.--Soda, chalk, whiting, sprinkled over the surface of the
skin and covered with moist coverings of gauze. Egg albumen is also good
applied, on the part.
Bums from Alkali (like potash or strong ammonia).--Vinegar poured over the
part, or dress with a mild solution of boric acid. One teaspoonful to four
ounces of water.
5. Lead and laudanum wash if the skin is not broken. Of course bruises
usually disappear in time. The above remedies will help. Heat applied at
some distance from the parts relaxes the surrounding vessels and promotes
absorption of the blood in the bruise.
Wash the cut thoroughly and cover with gauze or clean linen. Cuts or
wounds should always be washed first with boiled water, cooled enough to
use. Do this with absolutely clean muslin, absorbent cotton or gauze and
boiled water. After being thoroughly cleansed and washed with hot water
and cloths, a thick pad of muslin, absorbent cotton or gauze thoroughly
soaked with the boric acid solution, (strength one-half ounce of boric
acid to a pint of boiled water) should be applied on the wound, and for an
inch or two around it. Over this lay a thick layer of absorbent cotton or
muslin, bandage all securely with a bandage or adhesive strap, so the
dressing cannot slip.
Gaping Wounds generally need stitches. These should be put in deep enough
to draw the deep edges together. If that is not done, a pocket will be
left where the parts are not together and "matter" may form there. Plaster
will not draw the deeper parts of wounds together. They should then be
covered the same way as superficial wounds; of course the wound should be
thoroughly cleansed in the same way before the stitches are put in. Such
wounds unless they are large, need not be dressed for a day or two, unless
there is soreness or pain. If the wound is sore and throbs it should be
redressed immediately. Some discharge will no doubt he found penned in,
and needs a drain through which to escape. This does not usually happen,
and if it does, the wound was infected (poisoned) and then needs dressing
once or twice a day, and full vent given to any discharge that may be
present. The dressing immediately over the wound should then be thick and
soft so as to absorb the discharge that may be present. The stitches are
usually removed in small wounds the third or fourth day. This is easily
done, with a sharp pointed scissors or knife; put one point underneath the
stitch next to the knot, cut it off and with the forceps take hold of the
knot and pull it out gently. It comes away easily as a rule.
Torn Wounds should be trimmed. That is, cut away the torn pieces and then
stitch together as for other wounds. Of course all the tissue possible
should be saved and only ragged flesh should be cut away. This would die
anyway, and prove a foreign body, and would be very apt to cause pus.
These wounds should be dressed the same way as previously directed.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Cuts, Iodoform and Vaselin Salve for Barb Wire.--
"Iodoform 1 teaspoonful.
Vaselin 1 ounce."
Before applying the above salve it is very necessary to cleanse the
affected parts with a solution made of one teaspoonful of salt to a pint
of water. If the iodoform is offensive to some people, you may use the
vaselin alone, although the iodoform is known to be one of the best
healing remedies that can be obtained.
2. Cuts, Turpentine Good in Small Quantities for.--"For cuts and any open
wound pour turpentine in and put a piece of absorbent cotton on and soak
well with the liniment, tie up, and leave it so until dry, then pour on
some more." Care should be taken in using turpentine, not to put too much
on the wound, as it may cause proud flesh in some people; a little of it
is very healing and effective.
THINGS IN THE EAR; Buttons, Beads, etc.--The bent hairpin is good to use
for removing these objects, unless it is too far in. Sometimes the object
can be washed out with a stream of water. This will kill and destroy
insects. A small stream from a pitcher will do, if there is no fountain
syringe handy. Water should not be used for corn, peas or beans, for if
they are not removed the water will cause them to swell up and enlarge. A
competent person should then be called, but no injury will be done for a
few hours.
GAS from wells, cisterns, mines, illuminating gas and coal gas.
Treatment.--Fresh pure air. Open all windows in the house and remove
patient from a house filled with coal gas. Artificial respiration: Inject
salt enemas; teaspoonful of salt to one pint of warm water.
Treatment.--Wear broad-toed shoes with low heels. The high heels push the
toes against the shoe and besides are unhealthy and dangerous in walking.
Hot poultices will relieve the inflammation and pain. Soak the toe in hot
water and push the flesh back from the nail. Cotton under the edge and
corner of the nail helps to keep it away. Dust a boric acid powder, mixed
with an equal quantity of starch flour, on the parts. Mennen's borated
talcum powder is good.
FALLS.--If one has had a severe fall and is wholly or partially conscious,
move as little as possible, in case of broken bones. Remain in a
comfortable position until proper aid can be given. If unconscious
stimulation may be necessary.
FIRE in Clothing.--Keep quiet, and away from a draught. Wrap anything
handy around him and roll him. Leave only the head and face uncovered.
Keep mouth closed.
2. Choking, Simple Remedy to Stop.--"Hold both hands high above the head.
If necessary tap gently between the shoulders."
4. Choking, Grease and Meat Common Remedy for.--"Warm lard, or any kind of
grease, and give the patient. Have seen it used with success." The warm
grease will usually cause vomiting, and in that way remove the foreign
matter.
Second: Quickly lay the person prone, face downward with stomach resting
on a barrel or roll of clothing, so the head will be lower than rest of
the body and the water will run out from the throat and lungs. Wipe dry
mouth and nostrils. Wrap the corner of a handkerchief about the forefinger
and clear the mouth of all mucus and slimy substance back as far as the
top of the throat. Rip open the clothing on chest and back and keep the
face exposed to the air. Separate the jaws and keep them apart with a
cork, stone, or knot in a handkerchief.
Third: Remove the roll of clothing from underneath the stomach of the
patient. Kneel by the side of or across the patient. Place your hands over
the lowest ribs. Lean forward and put your weight straight over the lowest
ribs. Exert this pressure for three seconds. To count three seconds, say:
"One thousand and one, one thousand and two; one thousand and three,"
Fourth: Do not remove the hands from the ribs; but release the pressure
from the ribs for two seconds, by squatting backward. To count two
seconds, say: "One thousand and one, one thousand and two,"
Fifth: Again exert pressure straight over the lowest ribs for three
seconds. Alternate thus (three seconds pressure and two seconds release),
about twelve times a minute, until breathing is restored. This method of
resuscitation at once expels water and produces the identical results of
normal breathing.
Seventh: Do not give up too soon. Any time within two hours you may be on
the point of reviving the patient without there being any sign of it. Send
for a physician as soon as possible after the accident. Prevent friends
from crowding around the patient and excluding fresh air.
HOW TO KEEP FROM DROWNING.--To keep from drowning it is advisable, but not
necessary, to know how to swim. The human body in the water weighs little
more than a pound; so that one finger placed upon a piece of board, an oar
or a paddle, will easily keep the head above water, and the feet and the
other hand can be used to propel the body toward the shore. It is all
important for the person in the water to breathe and keep a cool head, and
the mouth closed.
Three hundred lives are lost in Michigan every year from drowning. If by
studying and learning how to carry out the directions in this article, you
can be a life saver at some critical moment, the few moments spent in
careful reading will be well repaid. Master the directions so that you
will be able to do everything possible in case of accident.
POISONS
Salt and warm water may be used in the same way. Tickling the throat with
a finger or a feather produces vomiting.
Irritant poison acts more slowly and produces inflammation which later may
result in suppuration and perforation.
An emetic or stomach pump cannot be used in some poisons, such as suphuric
acid, because the tissues are quickly injured by the acid and the emetic
and pump would only injure farther.
Emetics.--Strong hot coffee, inhale amyl nitrite; hot and cold douches.
Antidotes.--Lemon juice and water, vinegar and water half and half.
Antidote.--Jeaunel's antidote.
Antidotes. Epsom salts or glaubers salts, and water very freely to drink;
drink a pint of flaxseed tea. Later strong coffee or whisky and water as
stimulants.
Antidote.--Milk or white of eggs; one egg for four grains of drug; milk,
flour paste.
Treatment.--Cause vomiting after the antidote has been given, and follow
with soothing drinks, castor oil.
Antidote.--Jeaunel's antidote.
Antidotes.--Lemon juice and water; vinegar and water, half and half.
Antidote.--Milk or white of eggs; one egg for four grains of drug, flour
paste.
Treatment.--Cause vomiting after the antidote has been given, then give
soothing drinks and dose of castor oil.
Treatment.--Cause vomiting with warm salt water, warm mustard water, lard,
vaselin, etc.; sixty grains of bromide of potash and thirty grains of
chloral hydrate by the rectum. Dark quiet room.
NITRIC ACID. Symptoms.--The stomach and bowels are irritated and inflamed,
the mouth may burn and bleed; swallowing is difficult. "Coffee grounds"
vomiting. Pulse feeble, clammy skin.
Antidotes.--Lime or chalk.
Antidotes.--Jeaunel's antidote.
Antidotes.--Lemon juice and water, vinegar and water half and half.
Antidote.--Jeannel's antidote.
Antidotes.--Lemon juice and water, vinegar and water half and half.
Treatment.--Soothing drinks, milk, white of egg and water, flax seed tea,
etc.; external heat.
HERB DEPARTMENT
Drying and Preserving Roots, Herbs, Barks, etc.--Gather herbs when the
weather is fine, when there is no dew upon them, when the flowers are in
full bloom or the seeds are ripening. By gathering the herbs yourself you
are assured of their being fresh although, if living in the city, you can
purchase them ready prepared in ounce packages for about five cents at any
drug store. Should you gather them yourself dry them in the shade, after
which they should be kept from exposure to the air by wrapping up in paper
or keeping in paper bags, tied and hung up in the attic or other dry
place. If hanging exposed in your home for a long time watch them that
moths do not gather in them and make their nests.
[Illustration: BLOODROOT]
[Illustration: ELDER FLOWERS]
[Illustration: PLEURISY ROOT]
[Illustration: SNAKE HEAD]
[Illustration: SENECA SNAKE ROOT]
[Illustration: GINSENG]
[Illustration: MANDRAKE OR MAY-APPLE]
[Illustration: WAHOO]
[Illustration: SCOURING RUSH]
[Illustration: BONESET]
[Illustration: ROCK ROSE]
[Illustration: TANSY]
[Illustration: BEARBERRY]
[Illustration: ST. JOHN'S WORT]
[Illustration: WORMWOOD]
[Illustration: TRUE CHAMOMILE]
[Illustration: INDIAN TOBACCO OR LOBELIA]
[Illustration: CANADA FLEABANE]
[Illustration: MARSH MARIGOLD]
[Illustration: AMERICAN WORMSEED]
[Illustration: ELECAMPANE]
[Illustration: MUSTARD]
[Illustration: PARTRIDGE BERRY]
Roots should be dug in the spring when the sap is rising if you wish to
make extract; or they may be gathered in autumn when they have ceased to
vegetate. To dry for winter use they should be sliced, dried and kept from
the air.
Barks should be stripped when the tree is in full leaf and dried in the
shade. The bark of the roots should be taken in the fall, when the sap has
descended.
Flowers and Seeds.--Flowers should be gathered when in full bloom and free
from the dew and should be kept from exposure to the air. Be sure that
seeds have fully matured; dry them also in a shady place and keep ready
for use.
Decoction, to make.--Make same as for infusion and boil for some time,
just as you would make coffee.
Syrups, to make.--After preparing the substance for a tea boil for some
time, then add considerable sugar and stir until all is nicely dissolved.
To each pint of this syrup add one ounce of glycerin and seal up in
bottles or cans as you would fruit.
Tincture, to make.--Take one ounce of the powdered herb and add 4 ounces
of water and 12 ounces of alcohol, let stand for two weeks. A dram of
glycerin may be added. After standing for two weeks pour off liquid and
bottle for use. If it is necessary for you to use a tincture we would
advise that you buy it at a drug store, as it is not often made properly
at home. The above is a safe method for making a tincture and would not be
especially strong. Should the herb used have a very weak medicinal power
one to four ounces of the herb may be used for the above amount of water
and alcohol.
BALMONY. Snakehead. Fish Mouth. Turtlebloom. Bitter Herb. Salt Rheum Weed.
Chelone Glabra.
Prepared (how).--Leaves made into a powder or tea. One ounce of the leaves
to a pint of boiling water to make the tea. Let steep.
BEARBERRY. Upland or Wild Cranberry. Mountain Box. Red Berry. Arbutus Uva
Ursi.
Grows (where).--On mountains and dry land in United States, Europe and
Asia.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--One to three ounces every two to four hours for
gonorrhea, with bloody and mucous discharges and pain in the bladder. For
cystitis one ounce every two hours. For kidney troubles one ounce four
times a day. If taken long or in too large doses it irritates the kidneys.
Internally, used for.--An astringent for bleeding from the bowels and
womb, and for diarrhea.
BETHROOT. Birth Root. Ground Lily. Lambs Quarter. Wake Robin. Indian Balm.
Three-Leaved Night-Shade. Trillium Purpureum.
Part used.--The root. This contains volatile oil, tannic acid, etc.
Gather.--In autumn.
Prepared (how).--As a poultice, powder and infusion. Use one to one and
one-half ounce of root to a pint of boiling water for infusion.
Part used.--Leaves of the raspberry and the bark of the other two.
Flowers (when).--Spring.
Prepared (how).--An Infusion and powder. For an infusion one ounce to one
pint of vinegar.
Gather.--Early autumn.
Part used.--Leaves.
Part used.--Roots and seeds. Garden carrot, only the root is used.
Gather.--Early autumn.
Gather.--When in bloom.
Flowers (when).--Summer.
CLEAVERS. Goose Grass. Catch Weed. Clivers. Bed Straw. Galium Aparine.
Gather.--Early autumn.
CLOVES. Caryophyllus.
Grows (where).--All over the United States in low moist rich grounds, near
running streams, in swamps, etc.
BLACK COHOSH. Rattle Root. Black Snake Root. Squaw Root. Rich Weed.
Cimicifuga Racemosa.
Part used.--Root.
Part used.--Root.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the syrup one to four ounces, two or three
times a day. For the diseases named it is best to take it in smaller doses
and oftener, say four teaspoonfuls every hour or two; children in
proportion.
Prepared (how).--Make a tea and drink freely. Fluid extract can be bought.
Part used.--Bark.
Gather.--Early autumn.
Grows (where).--In Canada and northern United States, in low rich lands,
woods, borders of fields.
CRAWLEY. Dragon's Claw. Coral Teeth. Fever Root. Chicken Toes. Albany
Beechdrops. Corallorhiza Odontorhiza.
Prepared (how).--Powder. Use one and one-half ounces of the root and boil
it in a pint of water or milk.
Part used.--Root. Age impairs its virtues. The dried root is safest to
use, if not too old.
Part used.--Root. The green plant is good to use in the form of greens.
Milky juice is also good when fresh.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of infusion one to two ounces. Juice, ten drops
to one-half teaspoonful. Extract, ten grains. Fluid extract, one to two
teaspoonfuls. It should be taken often enough, when the liver is torpid,
to move the bowels once or twice a day. If the infusion is used, begin
with a half ounce and take every three hours; increase or decrease as
necessary. The extract is pleasanter and less bulky and best to use in
winter. Take two or three grains every three hours more or less.
DEVIL'S BIT. False Unicorn Root. Drooping Starwort. Blazing Star. Helonias
Divica. Somewhat similar to true unicorn root.
Gather.--In autumn.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--It is a tonic to the womb and should be used for two
months before the time the miscarriage usually occurs. For the other womb
troubles, it should be taken four times a day. The fluid extract can be
bought at any drug store, and can be used. Dose: Fifteen drops, four times
daily. Dose of powder, ten to twenty grains. Decoction, one to two ounces.
Externally, used for.--Burns, scalds, ulcers, skin diseases and weak eyes.
Gather.--Autumn.
Grows (where).--In Europe and Japan. Cultivated in United States and grows
in moist places and about houses. Prepared (how).--Use half ounce of the
powdered root to a pint of boiling water and boil to make a decoction.
Prepared (how).--Powder, oil and infusion. To make infusion, use one ounce
to pint of boiling water.
Gather.--When ripe.
Part used.--Root.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--It should be taken three or four times a day for
gravel or general weakness. As an appetizer it should be taken before
meals. Dose of powder, ten to sixty grains. Dose of infusion, one to three
ounces.
GOLDEN SEAL. Orange Root. Yellow Puccoon. Ground Raspberry. Turmeric Root.
Hydrastis Canadensis.
Gather.--In autumn.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Of the powder, five to ten grains; of infusion, one
ounce; of tincture, half to one teaspoonful and of fluid extract, five to
twenty drops. When it is called for, the tongue is generally coated
whitish; it will soon clear that. Diarrhea, etc., due to stomach and bowel
troubles are benefited by it. Two parts of the decoction of golden seal
and one of cranesbill used as an injection is good for gonorrhea, gleet,
and leucorrhea. Same is good for chronic cystitis. If too strong, weaken
it. Good in this form, mixed with cranesbill, for diarrhea and dysentery;
taken in two teaspoonful doses every three hours.
GRAVEL PLANT. Gravel-Weed. Mountain Pink. Ground Laurel. May Flower.
Trailing Arbutus. Epigea Repens.
Gather.--In summer.
Prepared (how).--Infusion, and fluid extract which can be bought. Use one
ounce of the leaves to one pint of boiling water and let it steep to make
an infusion.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose: One to two teaspoonfuls. For gravel, take one
teaspoonful every three hours. For irritable bladder take half teaspoonful
every three hours.
Part used.--Cones.
Lupulin 1 dram.
Camphor monobromate 1 dram.
Cocoa Butter, sufficient.
Make twelve suppositories and insert one in rectum every three or four
hours. Take at the same time, the infusion or tincture every two or three
hours. Fomentations are good in pleurisy and many other inflammations.
Inhale steam in throat and chest troubles.
HORSE CHESTNUT. Aesculus Hippocastanum.
Gather.--Late autumn.
Flowers (when).--In May and June, and fruit ripens late in autumn.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose: For rheumatism two ounces, three times a day.
For piles, make an ointment of the powdered nut and apply. This is very
good.
Gather.--When fresh.
Part used.--Berries.
Gather.--August.
Flowers (when).--In May and June and ripe in August.
Grows (where).--Grows in United States and Canada, in dry woods and hills.
Prepared (how).--In infusion or oil. For infusion, use one ounce of the
berries to a pint of boiling water. It can be made more effective by
adding half ounce of cream of tartar to the infusion.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--It should be used within the twenty-four hours for
above troubles, dropsy, etc. The oil can be bought and used in doses of
five to twenty drops, three or four times a day.
Gather.--In autumn, cleanse from dirt and dry in the shade. Virtue
impaired by boiling.
LIFE ROOT. Rag Wort. Squaw Weed. Female Regulator. Senecio Gracilis.
Gather.--In autumn.
LOBELIA. Wild or Indian Tobacco. Emetic Herb. Puke Weed. Asthma Weed.
Lobelia Inflata.
Internally, used for.--Asthma, emetic for croup (but very weakening), and
lung diseases.
Part used.--Leaves and seeds. Dry carefully in the shade. Keep whole or
powdered.
Gather.--August or September.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use freely. For feverish conditions use one to two
ounces every two hours. In coughs and hoarseness, take four to five times
daily. For influenza and pleurisy enough to produce perspiration.
MANDRAKE. May Apple. Wild Lemon. Indian Apple. Raccoon Berry. Podophyllum
Peltatum.
Part used.--Root.
Grows (where).--In all parts of the United States, in damp and shady woods
and sometimes in dry and exposed places.
Part used.--Root.
Gather.--Autumn.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Take one to three ounces four times a day for
chronic diseases, and one ounce every two hours for acute troubles
mentioned above. It is a mild soothing drink and medicine.
Gather.--In autumn.
Gather.--Early autumn.
Gather.--While fresh, so the leaves can also be used. Seeds when used
should be ripe.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Mustard leaves dampened with cold water are good for
pleurodynia, lumbago, neuritis, cramps in legs, inflammations, croup,
etc., applied locally. For apoplexy and convulsions, mustard poultices of
the seeds to feet, and mustard foot baths, handful of ground mustard to
hot water. Same is good in colds, sleeplessness, dysmenorrhea, headache.
Mustard water is good for poisoning as an emetic. Hiccough: Teaspoonful of
mustard in four ounces of boiling water, steep for twenty minutes, and
take in four doses.
Prepared (how).--Decoction.
Gather.--In autumn.
Grows (where).--Native.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Juice mixed with sugar is good for colds, coughs,
catarrh, croup, chronic bronchitis. Roasted Spanish onion is good, eaten
at bedtime, as a laxative; fried in lard and applied locally it makes a
splendid poultice. Roasted in coals it makes a good poultice for earache,
toothache, sore throat and sore chest.
Gather.--In autumn.
Grows (where).--Cultivated.
PARTRIDGE BERRY. Squaw Vine. Checker Berry. One Berry. Winter Clover.
Deerberry. Mitchella Repens,
Gather.--When ripe.
Grows (where).--Cultivated.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use infusion freely. Dose of oil two to five drops.
For menstrual troubles, checked lochia and perspiration, take a hot foot
bath in bed and drink freely of the tea until sweating occurs. It is
frequently taken at bedtime for painful menstruation, etc.
Externally, used for.--Fresh herb bruised and laid over the abdomen, to
allay sick stomach and diarrhea of children.
Gather.--Early autumn.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Some claim the infusion is good for snake bites or
the expressed juice can be used. This, to my mind, is doubtful and I would
advise the usual remedies first. The tincture is good for some kinds of
toothache, in one to two drop doses. The bruised leaves or the tea may be
used for other diseases mentioned as poultice or wash.
PLEURISY ROOT. Butterfly Weed. Wind Root. Tuber Root. Orange Swallow Wort.
Asclepias Tuberosa.
Part used.--Root.
Gather.--Autumn.
Externally, used for--For fat people. Caked breasts, felons and tumors.
Gather.--Root late in November, cut in thin transverse slices and dry with
moderate heat. Berries, when ripe.
Grows (where).--United States, etc., under the shade of woods and prefers
a loose sandy soil enriched by decaying leaves.
Internally, used for.--For tape worm and for urinary troubles, suppressed
or retained urine.
Gather.--When ripe.
Grows (where).--Common.
Prepared (how).--A tea can be made of the seeds, or an oil gathered from
them.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--A tea strong or weak as the age and case demand, may
be given freely and is very effective. Do not bruise the seeds, as the
virtue resides in the covering. An oil can be gathered from the seeds and
is good for same purpose. Dose.--Six to twelve drops several times daily
or three drops every two hours. For Tape worm, see article on another
page. If it is best to take it as an emulsion get druggist to make it.
Taken at night with fasting. In the morning take dose of salts. Watermelon
seed tea is also good for kidney trouble.
QUEEN OF THE MEADOW. Purple Boneset. Gravel Root. Trumpet Weed. Joe-Pye
Weed. Eupatorium Purpureum.
Gather.--Autumn.
Gather.--Autumn.
Part used.--Blossoms.
Gather.--When fresh.
Grows (where).--Common.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Use blossoms to make tea and drink freely; tea
boiled down thick makes a good salve for ill-conditioned looking sores.
Grows (where).--Cultivated.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--For above diseases drink in half ounce doses every
two hours.
Gather.--In autumn.
Grows (where).--Common.
SENECA SNAKE ROOT. Mountain Flag. Milk Wort. Seneka or Senega. Polyagla
Senega.
Gather.--In autumn.
Prepared (how).--Powdered root. For decoction use one ounce of the dried
root to a pint of boiling water and let boil. You can buy the syrup and
fluid extract.
Dose of the extract, ten to twenty drops. This remedy is frequently used
with other remedies for bronchitis and cough.
Part used.--Plant.
Gather.--Autumn.
Internally, used for.--As a mucilage for stomach and bowel and urinary
troubles when a mild, soothing demulcent drink is needed; in diarrhea,
dysentery, coughs, painful urination, constipation.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--The infusion and mucilage may be taken freely. The
infusion can be injected for dysentery, diarrhea, gonorrhea, gleet and
leucorrhea. Mucilage is taken after poisoning to allay inflammation of the
membranes, etc. Eat bark or take prepared tablets for constipation.
Gather.--Just as the flowers appear in dry weather, and dry in the shade.
Part used.--Root.
Gather.--In autumn.
Prepared (how).--An infusion or a tincture made from the fresh plant. Use
cold water to make infusion. Fomentations, simmer in water and vinegar.
Part used.--Root.
Part used.--Root.
Gather.--Autumn.
Grows (where).--In United States and Canada, sides of meadows, high banks,
woods, and mountain.
Prepared (how).--Decoction, use one ounce of the root to pint of water and
boil. Poultice, bruise the root.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the decoction, one to two ounces. Take less
when it is taken oftener, as much as the stomach will bear. Make a
poultice of the bruised root for piles and local inflammation.
STONE ROOT. Horse Balm. Rich Weed. Knob Root. Hard Hack. Collinsonia
Canadensis.
Gather.--Autumn.
Gather.--When ripe.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Leaves are astringent and good in infusion for sore
mouth, diarrhea, and dysentery. Infusion of the root is a good diuretic
and is effective in difficult urination and gonorrhea. Drink freely.
Part used.--Leaves.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--For asthma, the leaves are mixed with tobacco leaves
and smoked. It must be done carefully as it is poisonous. The leaves are
good to cure piles when rubbed on them, or made into an ointment and used
locally.
Part used.--Root.
Gather.--Late autumn or early spring, wash clean and dry with moderate
heat.
Gather.--When fresh.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Dose of the infusion one to two ounces. Oil, half to
one drop. This oil is dangerous, so it must be taken carefully. For
dysmenorrhea, take half ounce of infusion every hour or two. Same for
hysteria. For amenorrhea, two ounces three times daily. For sweating, it
should be taken in one to two-ounce doses and hot. Fomentations should be
used hot and are good placed on the abdomen, over the womb, in painful
menstruation.
Part used.--Root.
Gather.--In autumn.
Prepared (how).--Dry the root and powder it and give in honey or make into
a syrup or given in powder.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--For sweating use powder in hot water, ten grains
three times a day or smaller dose oftener. For bronchitis, etc., use in
syrup or in honey, three or four times a day, five to ten grains at a
dose. Same way for sore mouth and throat.
TRUE UNICORN ROOT. Star Grass. Colic Root. Ague Root. Crow Corn. Aletris
Farinosa.
Gather.--In autumn.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--Powdered root, five to ten grains three times a day.
Saturated tincture, two to five drops, three times a day. Fluid extract,
five to ten drops. Tincture and fluid extract can be bought at any drug
store. For the above diseases it should be taken regularly four times a
day. The fluid extract is the best form in which to take it and is often
given by doctors.
Gather.--Autumn.
Gather.--In autumn.
Part used.--Root.
Gather.--In autumn.
Prepared (how).--Oil.
Gather.--Early autumn.
Diseases, Dose, etc.--One or two ounces, three times a day; or half ounce
every three hours. This is a good remedy. Some people should commence with
smaller doses.
HOMEOPATHY
List of Remedies.
Arnica. Calendula.
Care of Medicine in the Sick Room.--Use a clean tumbler and when not using
cover the tumbler with a small saucer or piece of cardboard. Set it in a
cool place and where it is free from odors, as liquid medicines exposed
are likely to take up such impurities.
[HOMEOPATHY 449]
When you use the medicine in the dilution (liquid) form, you put ten to
fifteen drops of the dilution (say the 2X or any one) in a glass half full
of water and give one to two teaspoonsful everyone-half to one to two or
three hours, as the case may be, according to the age of the patient, etc.
This is for acute cases.
For chronic cases.--You give medicine three or four times a day, one to
two teaspoonfuls at a time. When you use it in trituration (tablet) form,
you give one to two tablets at a dose every one-half to one, two or three
hours, etc. In chronic cases three or four times a day, one or two
tablets.
For the beginning of a common cold.--Aconite 2X dil. Put ten drops in a
glass half full of water and take two teaspoonsful every one-half hour for
three doses, then every three hours for twelve hours. Tincture of camphor
in drop doses is also good.
If throat feels raw and sore.--I give three tablets of Mercurius bin. 2X
trit. (tablet form) in alternation with the Aconite for three doses. Then
stop it.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form). When throat is sore with much saliva,
sticky sweat which does not relieve.
Mercurius sol. 3X trit. (tablet form). Give one to two every one to three
hours, according to the case.
2. Arsenicum 3X trit. (tablet form). Give one tablet every two to four
hours, when the parts look bluish and livid, with great weakness, much
thirst and restlessness, with burning watery diarrhea.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form). Give two tablets every three hours, when
the ulcerated gums discharge a fetid matter; loose teeth or teeth feel
long, much sticky saliva in mouth.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form) indicated in most cases. Take two tablets
every two to four hours.
Aconite 2X dil. Prepared and given as above stated. When there is much
fever, dullness and stupor.
Mercurius sol. 3X trit. (tablet form). When the teeth are sore and feel
too long; one to two tablets everyone to three hours.
Mercurius sol. 3X trit. (tablet form) if there is much saliva in the mouth
and teeth feel too long.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form). Good when the parts are much swollen,
sore and very sensitive, darkish, with much sticky saliva in the mouth.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form). Given when there is much saliva with
pain, soreness and difficulty in swallowing.
[HOMEOPATHY 451]
Belladonna 3X dil. instead, when there is much redness and swelling of the
parts with much trouble in swallowing, great pain. Prepared as above
directed and given.
Hepar Sulph. 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every one to two
to three hours when suppuration is threatened and where there is constant
throbbing and pain in the tonsil.
Kali bichrom 2X trit. (tablet form). Put ten to fifteen tablets in a glass
half full of water and give one to two teaspoonfuls every one to two
hours, when the discharge is thick and stringy.
Mercurius protoid 2X trit. (tablet form). Prepare and give same way as
Kali bichrom when membrane is dark, foul odor, tongue thick and pasty.
Arsenicum 3X trit. (tablet form). Give one to two tablets every one to
three hours. Where there is great soreness and burning, much thirst,
vomiting, dry, red and cracked tongue.
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every one to three
hours. When there is a dull pain and nausea, but no active vomiting;
especially good in cases from drinking.
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets after meals when it
is caused by intemperance, eating too highly seasoned food, too much tea
and coffee. Bowels are generally constipated.
Pulsatilla 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets after meals, when it
is caused by rich, greasy foods, such as cakes, pies, puddings, pork and
greasy gravies.
Carbo veg. 3X trit. (tablet form). Two tablets after meals when there is
much wind (gas) in the stomach.
Bryonia alb. 2X dilution, ten drops put in a glass half full of water and
take two teaspoonfuls after every meal and before retiring, when the
stomach is sore to touch, food feels like a load in the stomach, with sour
water coming up.
Nux vomica 3X trit. (tablet form) with pressure and cramps in the stomach,
more particularly if the patient uses coffee, tea and liquors, or is
troubled with piles, constipation, with indoor life and headaches, two
tablets every half hour until better.
Pulsatilla 3X trit. (tablet form). Two tablets every half hour until
better. When brought on by rich food, as pork, pies, cakes. It is
especially good in blonde women with scanty and painful menstruation.
Sepia 6X trit. (tablet form). One tablet everyone to three hours. It is
especially good in brunette type with irregular and painful menstruation.
Cocculus 2X dil. for vomiting from riding. Ten drops in a half glass full
of water; take one teaspoonful every ten minutes until better.
Arsenicum alb. 3X trit. (tablet form). One tablet every ten minutes until
better when the vomit is watery, burning liquid, patient is very restless
and thirsty. Generally found in disease.
ENTERITIS.--Acute inflammation of the small intestines.
Aconite 2X dil. Put ten drops in a glass half full of water and give one
to two teaspoonfuls everyone to three hours. When it is at the
commencement, caused by cold, with dry skin, dry tongue and fever.
Arsenicum alb. 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every one to two
hours, when the pains are burning, tearing, cutting in the bowels,
restless and anxious, vomiting and thirsty.
[HOMEOPATHY 453]
Belladonna 3X dil. Prepare and give as usual. When the ordinary symptoms
are accompanied by delirium or spasms with throbbing head.
Chamomilla 1X dil. For children during teething, with foul green diarrhea.
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every one to three
hours. Caused by sudden suppression of piles, especially in drinkers and
high livers, with lazy habits.
Arsenicum alb. 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every one to
three hours, with retching, vomiting, intense thirst, great prostration.
Mercurius viv. 3X trit. (tablet form) same dose as Arsenicum. Stools are
green and watery, with much pain before and after stools.
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form) constipated bowels, nausea and vomiting.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form) same dose, etc. When there is pain and it
is not relieved by the passage, stool is sometimes slimy, bloody and very
little in quantity.
Arsenicum alb. 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every one to
three hours. The person is very restless, thirsty, anxious, vomiting, and
burning watery stool.
Podophyllum 3X dil. Put ten drops in a glass half full of water; take two
teaspoonfuls every hour or two; especially good in children with large
watery mealy stools of so large quantity of mealy liquid that the mother
wonders where it all comes from.
Mercurius vivus 3X trit. (tablet form). For mucous, painful slimy stools,
child strains at every stool, sometimes mixed with blood. Pain is not
relieved by a stool.
Arsenicum alb. 3X trit. (tablet form). One tablet every one to three
hours, for watery burning vomiting and same kind of stools, very restless,
thirsty and drawn looking.
Veratrum alb. 2X dil. in water, etc. When there is vomiting with great
prostration, cold hands and feet, cold sweat.
Bryonia alb. 2X dil. Pains are sharp, shooting, better quiet. Can
alternate with Aconite or Belladonna.
Bryonia 2X dil.
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every half hour
until better. When there is constipation, acid vomiting, distended
abdomen.
Chamomilla 1X dil. Colic in stomach region and is caused by bad food. Face
flushed, in teething children.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form). One tablet every hour, when the pain is
in the liver, patient vomits much bile and has a diarrhea, both bilious
and fecal, with straining.
[HOMEOPATHY 455]
PILES.--Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form). One tablet after each meal and
before retiring. Constipation with pain in the lower back and in the lower
part of the rectum; piles may protrude and be sore.
Aloes 3X dil. One drop of it four times a day when the piles are very
painful, and in the lower part of the bowels, and lots of them.
Mercurius Corr. 3X trit. (tablet form) when caused by dysentery. Last two
use 3X; one to two tablets every two hours.
WORMS.--Tincture of Cina from one-tenth drop to two drops four times a day
for pin (seat) (thread worms) and round worms.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form) Later, skin yellow, coated pasty tongue.
DROPSY.--After scarlet fever. Apis Mel. 3X trit. (tablet form). One tablet
every two hours.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form). One tablet every two to four hours,
after first remedy, when heavy odor from the breath, dry mouth, bitter
taste, yellow (pasty) coated tongue, yellow color of skin.
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form), etc. When severe pains in region of
liver extending to the back; nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Sulphur 6X trit. (tablet form) when associated with piles. One tablet
night and morning.
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form). Two tablets four times a day, when
associated with white costive stools and depression of spirits.
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form). Liver troubles of drinkers. Use two
tablets every three hours.
Arsenicum 3X trit. (tablet form). One tablet every hour for burning watery
discharge from the nose; nose stopped up, discharge makes nose sore.
Kali Bich 3X trit. (tablet form) thick crusts from ulcers in the nostrils,
one tablet four times a day.
Kali Bich 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets everyone to three
hours when hoarseness is present.
Phosphorus 3X dil.
[HOMEOPATHY 457]
CROUP.--Aconite 2X dil. Put ten drops in a glass half full of water, and
give two teaspoonfuls every fifteen minutes in alteration with Spongia 3X
trit. (tablet form) one at a dose. If there is no fever the Spongia can be
used alone. Cough is hard, rasping, barking, sawing.
Hepar sulph, 3X trit. (tablet form), This can be used in place of Spongia
in light haired children. Cough may be a little looser than the spongia
cough.
BRONCHITIS, ACUTE AND CHRONIC.--Aconite 2X dil. Ten drops, etc. One to two
teaspoonfuls everyone to three hours in first stage for the fever, etc.
Belladonna 2X or 3X dil., etc., same. Chilly, dry throat and dry cough,
soreness, and rawness beneath the breast bone, pain in the head.
Tartar Emetic 3X trit. (tablet form), One tablet every four hours. Better
for old people and chronic cases, when the cough is loose and much
rattling from mucus. Also good in children for capillary bronchitis.
Cuprum Met. 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every hour, for the
violent forms causing convulsions.
Bryonia 2X dil., etc. Given same way, when the patient lies quietly, hurts
to move, stitching pain in chest when coughing and attended by a pain in
the head. Goes well after Aconite. Aconite and Bryonia are frequently
alternated every hour.
Aconite 2X dil.
Spigelia 3X dil.
Cactus 3X dil.
Spigelia 3X dil.
Chamomilla 1X dil. and Nux Vomica 3X dil. (tablet form) caused from anger.
Bryonia 2X dil. One drop four times a day. Worse on motion and on touch.
Uranium nitrate 3X trit. (tablet form). One tablet three times a day.
[HOMEOPATHY 459]
Cantharis 3X dil. For painful urination, and small amount; one to two
drops every two hours.
RENAL CALCULI.--Sand in the urine. Lycopodium 30X trit. (tablet form). One
tablet three times a day, for red sand.
Sarsaparilla 2X dil. Two drops three times a day for white sand.
Berberis Vulgaris (tincture). One drop four times a day for thick urine,
pain in the back running down to the bladder.
Cantharis 3X dil. Ten drops every two hours. Urine pains in passing little
at a time.
Terebinth 3X dil. When the urine has a good deal of blood in it.
RHEUMATISM.--Acute inflammatory. Aconite 2X dil. At first, and when new
joints are attacked.
Belladonna 2X or 3X dil. When the parts throb and beat, and are swollen a
bright red.
Bryonia 2x dil. Pains are cutting, lancinating. Worse on least motion and
touch; better by rest.
Rhus tax 6X dil. Parts sore and stiff, but better, for a time, when moved
a little. Opposite to Bryonia.
For chronic and muscular Rheumatism; above remedies are good but given
four times a day.
Rhus tax 6X dil. When swelling is dark and in the form of vesicles.
Apis Mel 2X trit. (tablet form) for puffy swollen kind. Urine is generally
light yellow color and lessened. Give a tablet generally every hour.
HIVES.--Apis Mel. 2X trit. (tablet form). One to two tablets every two
hours.
ITCH.--Sulphur 6X trit. (tablet form). One tablet four times daily and
sulphur ointment.
Apis Mel. 2X trit. (tablet form). One to two every three hours when the
kidneys secrete less and there is some dropsy.
Bryonia 2X dil. When lungs are sore and hurts much to cough.
CHICKEN POX.--Aconite 2X dil. for fever stage. Rhus tox 6X trit. (tablet
form). Tablet every three hours.
Belladonna 3X dil.
Mercurius 3X tablet.
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form). One every two to three hours for the
stomach.
[HOMEOPATHY 461]
Arsenicum 3X. trit. (tablet form). One to two everyone to three hours,
later when there is sunken countenance and eyes; dry, cracked, tongue,
burning thirst, restless, burning and involuntary diarrhea.
Rhus tox 3X dil. Delirium, nose bleed, sordes on teeth, brown dry tongue,
wants to change position often, muttering, drowsy sleep, picking at
things.
Belladonna 3X dil.
Bryonia 2X dil.
AP
Nux Vomica 3X trit. (tablet form). One to two every one-half to two hours.
Begins in morning after eating, nausea, especially when from too much
coffee, liquor, etc.
Iris vers. 2X dil. Ten drops in water. Bilious sick headache, frequent
nausea and vomiting.
Sanguinaria 2X dil. Ten drops, etc. Dose every fifteen minutes to an hour.
Stomach sick headache. Nausea and vomiting of stomach material, sick waves
from stomach to head.
Cina 1X dil. Two drops every half hour. When caused by worms.
[HOMEOPATHY 463]
Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form). Hollow teeth, ulcerated, feel too long.
Pulsatilla 3X dil. Persons of blonde type, menstrual troubles.
Bryonia 2X dil.
Pulsatilla 3X dil. Blondes who have menstrual troubles also when caused by
fat greasy foods.
China 3X dil. When it follows loss of blood, long sickness, malaria, etc.
Dissolve the plumbi acetatis in the water then add the glycerin and
sulphur. Any aromatic water may be used for making the restorer.
ANTI-CONSTIPATION PAD.
Podophyllum 3 ounces
Aloes, powdered 1/2 ounce
Extract Colocynth compound, powdered 1/2 ounce
Croton Oil 1 dram
Oil of Sassafras 1 dram
Black Root 1/2 ounce
Lady's Slipper 1/2 ounce
Mix.
Rosin 1 ounce
Beeswax 1 ounce
Mutton Tallow 4 ounces
Copper Acetate 1 dram
Melt the rosin, tallow and wax together, then add the copper acetate, stir
until cool.
AYER'S SARSAPARILLA.
Quinine 2 drams
Tincture Chloride Iron 6 drams
Simple Syrup 2 ounces
Fowler's Solution Arsenic 128 drops
Glycerin to make 8 ounces
Camphor 70 grains
Oil of Tar 1/2 fluid dram
Oil of Thyme 1 fluid dram
Oil Terebenthene 2 fluid drams
Franklin Oil (Black oil,
lubricating oil) sufficient to make 2 fluid ounces
CATARRH OINTMENT.
Eucalyptol 4 drops
Terebene 8 drops
Menthol 4 grains
Cosmaline to make. 1 ounce
Mix. Good.
This ointment will cure any ordinary catarrhal trouble of the nasal
cavities unless too far advanced.
Dose: Teaspoonful four times a day. Is a sure cure for constipation and
the very best cathartic and laxative.
There have been so many inquiries of late concerning the above treatment
that we deem it a duty to tell our readers, as nearly as possible, of what
the alleged specific treatment consists. The following is the Brinkerhoff
secret pile remedy or injection:
Mix.
The above amount would cost about 40 cents. Inject into the largest piles,
eight drops; into the medium sized piles from four to six drops; into
small piles from two to three drops; into club-shaped piles near the anal
orifice two drops. He directs hot sitz baths for cases where violent pains
follow an injection. He recommends an interval of from two to four weeks
between each injection.
COUGHS.
This cough remedy is simple, but very effective remedy for coughs, such as
are generally experienced after catching a severe cold. Keep bowels open
with good cathartic.
The above amount would cost about 45 cents.
Laudanum 2 drams
Oil Cloves 15 drops
Oil Cassia 15 drops
Compound Tincture Catechu 4 drams
Alcohol to make 4 ounces
This prescription is said to be one hundred years old, and has cured
thousands of dysentery and diarrhea, as well as other bowel troubles.
Reduce the six first named ingredients to Number Forty powder, add boiling
water enough to cover, let stand till cold, and then percolate with water
until two and one-half gallons of liquid are obtained. To this add the
sugar, bring to a boil, remove from the fire, strain, and when cold add
the alcohol.
The above amount would cost about $2.70 or about 40 cents per pint.
CROUP.
Mix. The above, nearly two pints, would cost about 60 cents.
EARACHE.
This is another prescription you should have made up and keep on hand, as
children are very subject to earache, especially in the winter.
The above, about three 8-ounce bottles, would cost about $1.25.
SORE EYES.
Mix. Good.
Drop a few drops in the eye, once or twice daily. For inflamed or
granulated sore eyes there is no better remedy. The above would cost
about 25 cents.
CALIFORNIA LINIMENT.
The above, about four 8-ounce bottles, would cost about $1.50.
CONSTIPATION.
This prescription is one of Dr. John Pitzer's of St. Louis, dean of the
faculty of the Missouri Medical College. The above amount would cost
about 50 cents.
CANCER PASTE.
I will tell you how I made it for the last twenty-three years. Take equal
parts (by weight) of chloride of zinc, pulverized bloodroot, and wheat
flour; mix well, add enough water to form a paste; spread the paste, just
the size of the sore, on a rag and apply, put olive oil around the ulcer
before applying, in order to protect the sound tissues. Leave the paste on
as long as the patient can bear it. Then remove and if convenient apply a
mild poultice or salve. In six or eight days the cancer will come out; if
it leaves a smooth and healthy surface, all is well; if not, repeat the
application until all diseased tissue is removed. This has never failed
me, but remember that many so-called cancers are not cancers at all; then
again, some are so malignant that this paste and all others will not cure,
but all the cases I have had for twenty-three years were healed. One that
I have on hand now, on the lower lip of a man thirty-four years old, is
stubborn, but I hope it will finally yield. I will be pleased to furnish
any further information in my power.--Jer. Hess, M. D., in Med. World.
Arsenic 2 ounces
Sulphur 2 ounces
Zinc Sulphate 2 ounces
Rochelle Salts 2 ounces
Of each equal parts; add yolk of one egg, till of the consistence of
paste; bake with slow heat, until dry, and then pulverize. When desired
for use mix again with egg, and apply as paste or on cloth.
Dose: One week old, three to five drops; one month old, five to ten drops;
three months old, ten to twenty drops. One ounce would cost about 15
cents.
CORNS.
Mix. Excellent remedy. The above amount would cost about 25 cents.
For headache, torpid liver, constipation, and the complexion take one pill
every night. As a purgative take four to eight. Weight of twelve pills
about seven and one-half grains of which probably two to two and one-half
grains is sugar coating. They contain Podophyllin and aloes made into a
pill and coated with sugar. On the above we deduce the following formula
as closely resembling the original:
CASTORIA.
Senna 4 drams
Manna 1 ounce
Rochelle Salts 1 ounce
Fennel Seed 1-1/2 drams
Sugar 8 ounces
Oil of Wintergreen sufficient
Boiling Water, enough to make 8 fluid ounces or a half-pint.
Pour the water over the ingredients, then cover and macerate until cool,
after which strain, add the 8 ounces of sugar and dissolve by agitation;
add enough oil of wintergreen for suitable flavoring.
DYSPEPSIA TONIC.
For acute cases of indigestion where the stomach and bowels are full and
distended, or sour stomach and spitting up of food, this will relieve at
once; and with continued use relieve entirely. The above amount would
cost about 50 cents.
For young ladies, this will prove more beneficial than any face
preparation on the market. It is very refreshing and will remove black
heads, tan and blemishes, leaving the skin clear and smooth. The above
amount would cost about 50 cents.
FEMALE REGULATOR.
Mix. Add to one pint Sherry Wine. Dose: Teaspoonful three to four times a
day.
We warrant this to be one of the best tonics that can be procured for
general female weaknesses.
The above amount exclusive of pint of sherry wine, would cost about 50
cents.
CUTICURA OINTMENT.
The much advertised "Cuticura Ointment" has been found to consist .of a
base of petroleum jelly, colored green, perfumed with oil of bergamot and
containing two per cent of carbolic acid. Four ounces would cost about 25
cents.
FLUX.
Mix. Dose: One-half to one teaspoonful every three hours. For adults,
only. The above amount would cost about 40 cents.
CUTICURA RESOLVENT.
FOR FEVER.
It will make twenty-five capsules. Mix. Dose: One every three hours.
This has been used for years. You should keep the bowels open to remove
the cause. The above amount would cost about 25 cents.
Thymol 3 grains
Bismuth Carbonatis 15 grains
Oil of Wintergreen 2 minims
Vaselin to make 1 ounce
Listerine 2 ounces
Glycerin 1/2 ounce
Pure Water to make 4 ounces
Mix. Use as a gargle.
This will cure any ordinary case, but do not mistake sore throat for
diphtheria. The above amount would cost about 25 cents.
FELLOW'S HYPOPHOSPHITES.
Glucose 1 lb.
Simple Syrup 1 pint
Hypophosphite Calcium 128 grains
Hypophosphite Potassium 48 grains
Ferri Sulp 48 grains
Sulphate Manganese 32 grains
Sulphate Quinine 14 grains
Sulphate Strychnine 2 grains
Water sufficient
GENERAL TONIC.
This tonic is good to build up the system and to make rich, new blood.
People who feel tired and do not rest well at night cannot use a better
remedy.
HEADACHE.
Mix. Dose: One-half to one teaspoonful half hour apart for two doses.
Two doses of this remedy will generally relieve any headache. Be careful
of this. It is good but all these are sometimes dangerous. The above
amount would cost about 35 cents.
Mix. The above amount, about twenty ounces, would cost about 90 cents.
HEARTBURN.
Dose: Take five drops three times a day before meals. This is good.
One green paneled bottle contains seven and one-half fluid ounces of a
brownish-yellow, semi-clear, very sweet, thickish liquid, of a tarry
odor, and pronounced taste and smell of chloroform. From a close
examination we have ascertained that an exactly similar preparation is
easily made In the following way:
and add
Resin 1 pound
Burgundy Pitch 1 ounce
Beeswax 1 ounce
Mutton Tallow 1 ounce
Oil of Hemlock 2 drams
Balsam Fir 2 drams
Oil Origanum 2 drams
Oil of Red Cedar 2 drams
Venice Turpentine, 2 drams
Oil Wormwood 1/2 dram
Copper Acetate 2 drams
Melt the first articles together, and add the oils; having rubbed up the
copper acetate with a little oil, put it in with the other articles,
stirring well; then put into cold water and work until cold enough to
roll.
The above amount, over thirty-six ounces, would cost about 50 cents.
Take camphor gum one-half ounce; rub in a mortar with alcohol or sulphuric
ether till pulverized, and while damp add
After which add the first three articles. The above amount would cost
about 40 cents.
ITCH OINTMENT.
Rub Lac. Sulphur into fine powder, sift it into the melted cosmoline and
stir until nearly cool, then add napthaline and oil bergamot. Stir until
cool.
Mix. Dose: Teaspoonful four times daily or less dose if bowels move too
freely.
LINIMENT.
Chloroform 3 drams
Oil Cloves 1 dram
Tincture Opii 1 ounce
Oil Sassafras 2 drams
Aromatic Spirits Ammonia 2 drams
Alcohol to make 6 ounces
Mix. This is excellent.
This liniment is for household use; in sprains, bruises, cuts, and bites
from insects it cannot be excelled. It is a very fine liniment to keep on
hand.
LINIMENT.
HAMBURG DROPS.
LIVER PILLS.
Aloin 5 grains
Podophyllin 10 grains
Capsicum Powder 5 grains
Extract Nux Vomica 10 grains
Henbane 1 grain
This little pill is one which you can always depend on and in old chronic
cases, torpid liver and constipated bowels, these pills if kept up will
make a permanent cure. The above amount would cost about 40 cents.
Alcohol 1 pint
Gum Camphor 1 ounce
Oil Sassafras 1/2 ounce
Tincture Myrrh 1/2 ounce
Tincture Capsicum 1/2 ounce
Chloroform 1/2 ounce
Mix.
Mix. Dose: Teaspoonful every ten minutes for three doses if necessary.
This preparation has a national reputation, and is certainly the very best
preparation you could keep on hand for immediate relief from cramps,
colic, and diarrhea, and no family should be without it. This preparation
alone is worth the price of the book.
NERVOUSNESS.
Mix. Good when run down. Dose: Fifteen drops four times a day.
HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT.
NEURALGIA.
Mix. Dose: Teaspoonful at a dose. Should not take more than two doses.
Shake bottle. The above amount would cost about 30 cents.
PAIN KILLER-EXTERNAL.
Chloroform 3 drams
Tincture Opii 3 drams
Tincture Camphor 3 drams
Aromatic Spirits Ammonia 3 drams
Spirits Vini Gallici 4 ounces
Mix. This is excellent. There are a number of remedies, but this is the
best known for poison oak. The above amount would cost about 20 cents.
Melt the white wax and saxoline together, and stir constantly while
cooling. As soon as the mass begins to solidify incorporate the oxides and
oil of lavender.
SCROFULA.
We do not claim this remedy will cure every case of scrofula, but will
give relief, and if continued for several weeks will generally produce a
cure. The above amount would cost about 75 cents.
SCALD HEAD.
Mix. This is excellent. First wash the head thoroughly with castile soap
and apply morning and night. The above amount would cost about 25 cents.
TAPE WORM.
Mix. This is very good. Two doses of this mixture hardly ever fails to
bring the worm. Give oil and turpentine two hours after the last dose.
Mix. Dose: One-half to one teaspoonful fifteen minutes apart for two
doses or one-half to one teaspoonful every four hours. The above would
cost about 40 cents.
Percolate roots and bark with diluted alcohol, add syrup, then iodide of
potassa. Dissolve in water to make 6 gallons. The above amount, six
gallons, would cost about $2.00.
TOOTHACHE.
Mix. Put on some cotton and put around the tooth. No physician can give a
better prescription for toothache than this.
The above amount would cost about $3.50 or 45 cents per pint.
WHOOPING COUGH.
Mix. Dose: Ten drops to use for whooping cough. It has been in use for
years and some of our best doctors employ it in their practice. The above
amount would cost about 30 cents.
Mix. Bathe the chest and throat three times a day. The above amount would
cost about 35 cents.
JOHNSON'S LINIMENT.
Chloroform 4 drams
Sulph. Ether 4 drams
Oil Spearmint 2-1/2 drams
Oil of Wintergreen 2-1/2 drams
Tincture Myrrh 1 ounce
Tincture Capsicum 1 ounce
Tincture Arnica 1 ounce
Water of Ammonia 2 ounces
Alcohol enough to make 32 ounces
Mix. The above is the formula of Dr. Sage, and sold by him to Dr. Pierce,
of New York, for $500.00. The above amount would cost about 35 cents.
Mix. Use with Cutler's Inhaler. The above amount would cost about 40
cents.
Mix the bay rum and distilled extract of witch-hazel, and shake with a
little magnesia; filter, and in the filtrate dissolve the salt and add the
hydrochloric acid. The agitation with magnesia causes the preparation to
assume a yellow color; but by rendering it very slightly acid, with one
drop of five per-cent hydrochloric acid, this color all disappears. The
above amount would cost about 50 cents.
Mix. The above amount, eight pints, would cost about $2.25 or 30 cents per
pint.
SYRUP OF FIGS.
The formula omits directions; but probably a water extract should be made
of the drugs, so as to measure about four pints, and in this dissolve
eight pounds of sugar to make the syrup. The above amount, four pints,
would cost about $1.00.
KELLY'S TONIC.
Alcohol 1 fluidounce
Water 1-1/4 fluidounces
Soap 120 grains
Oil of Gaultheria 2 minims
Red Sanders sufficient
Dissolve the soap in the mixture of alcohol and water; add the color,
perfume with oil of wintergreen, add enough water to make the fluid
measure three ounces.
Perfume very tightly with Oil of Cloves. The above amount would cost
about 10 cents.
Mix. Make into five-grain pills. The above amount would cost about 50
cents.
Mix. Dose: Take a teaspoonful three times during the day, and every hour
or two before going to bed. The above amount would cost about 60 cents.
Percolate the drugs in moderately fine powder, with the dilute alcohol and
when six pints are obtained add the honey and syrup.
Grind the solids to No 40 power, mix the acid and the water, add the
glycerin and alcohol, and in the menstruum so prepared macerate the powder
for twenty-four hours; then percolate, adding enough alcohol and water in
the proportion given to make twelve fluid ounces. Finally add the syrup,
and, if necessary, filter. The above amount would cost about 60 cents.
RADWAY'S PILLS.
Aloes 4 parts
Jalap 2 parts
Zingiber 2 parts
Myrrh 2 parts
Make into a mass with mucilage and divide into two grain pills, of which
about four dozen are put into each box. The above amount would cost about
35 cents.
BRITISH OIL.
Petroleum 1 ounce
Oil Juniper 1 dram
Oil of Terebinth 1 ounce
Oil Amber 4 ounces
Linseed Oil 12 ounces
Smartweed 10 drams
Alcohol 6 ounces
Water 2 ounces
Camphor 22-1/2 grains
Oil of Hemlock 30 drops
Oil of Sassafras 30 drops
Extract the smartweed with the alcohol and water and to the liquid
obtained add the camphor and oils. The above amount would cost about 30
cents.
WOMAN'S DEPARTMENT.
I
CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF
DISEASES OF WOMEN,
With Advice regarding the Health of
YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS
II
OBSTETRICS OR MIDWIFERY
INCLUDING NURSING THROUGH PREGNANCY AND
CONFINEMENT; PREPARATION, DIET,
CARE OF CHILD, ETC., ETC.
The Labia Majora.--There are two more or less prominent longitudinal folds
of cutaneous (pertaining to the skin) tissue, covered by hair and mucous
membrane, which is continuous with the mucous membrane of the genital
organs and urinary tract. They join at each extremity, forming the
anterior and posterior commissures (uniting together). Between the
posterior commissure (union) and the margin of the bowel is a space of
about an inch in extent, the Perineum. It is important to remember this
part, for it is often torn in labor, to a greater or less extent.
The Glands of Bartholin are small oblong bodies, two in number, situated
on each side of the commencement of the vagina above the deep fascia band
like tissue. Each gland has a single duct and by this duct opens the inner
surface of the adjacent labia minoris just external to the hymen. They are
made up of mucous glands and a colorless tenacious fluid is secreted by
them, which lubricates the vagina. These glands sometimes become diseased.
Hence the description.
The Vagina.--This is a membranous canal and extends from the vulva to the
uterus (womb) and connects the external and internal organs of generation.
It is four to six inches in length, the anterior wall being from one to
two inches shorter than the posterior. It lies in the cavity of the pelvis
in front of the rectum, behind the bladder and follows first the line of
axis of the cavity of the pelvis, and afterwards the axis of the outlet.
The internal organs of generation, more commonly called the pelvic organs.
These comprise the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
The womb has three coats, enclosing a central cavity. This cavity of the
womb is small by comparison with the size of the organ and it communicates
with the Fallopian tubes by two minute openings at each side of the body,
and with the vagina below, through the mouth or opening of the womb.
The external coat of the womb is called servos, derived from the
peritoneum; the middle or muscular coat, which forms the chief substance
of the womb, consists of bundles of unstripped muscular fibers intermixed,
with loose connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves; the
internal or mucous coat is continuous through the fringed extremity of the
fallopian tubes, with the peritoneum, and through the mouth of the womb
(os uteri) with the mucous membrane of the vagina. This mucous membrane is
lined in the body of the womb by epithelium arrayed in columns (Columnar
Epithelium) which loses its ciliated (eye-lash) movement character during
pregnancy. In the lower half of the Cervix, the epithelium (this kind of
cell lines all canals having communication with the external air) is of
the stratified (arranged in layers) variety. The appendages of the womb
are the fallopian tubes, the ovaries and their ligaments and the round
ligaments. The fallopian tubes convey the ova (eggs) from the ovaries to
the cavity of the womb. They are two in number, one on each side, situated
in the free border of the broad ligaments and extend from each horn, an
excrescence of the womb that looks like a horn, of the womb outward to the
sides of the pelvis; each is about five inches in length, and has a small
canal beginning at the womb in a very small opening called the internal
mouth (ostium internum). This canal gradually widens to its ending, the
abdominal mouth (ostium abdominal) by which it communicates with the
peritoneal cavity, the timbrae. A series of fringe-like processes
surround this mouth or opening and this farther end is known as the
fimbriated extremity. The tube has three coats, serous or external or
peritoneal; the middle or muscular, continuous with that of the womb, and
an internal or mucous coat continuous also with the lining of the womb and
peritoneum (covered with ciliated Columnar Epithelium).
[WOMAN'S DEPARTMENT 493]
The ovarian ligament extends from the inner side of the ovary to the
superior angle of the (Uterus) womb. The round ligaments, two in number,
are about five inches long and are situated between the layers of the
broad ligament, one on each side of the womb in front and below the
fallopian tube. They pass forward and outward from the womb through the
internal abdominal ring, along the groin canal and out at the external
abdominal ring.
Dr. Child says among primitive people, woman is notoriously free from many
of the diseases to which her sister in our present-day civilization is
especially prone. As we ascend the scale of civilization, departing from a
natural and adopting an artificial mode of life we find nature enacts due
penalties for the transgression of her laws. The female among savage
tribes has every advantage and opportunity to develop physical perfection,
and her endurance suffers little, if any, by comparison with the male. How
different is our modern system when the young girls are sent early to
school and subjected daily to long hours of study, often in badly
ventilated class-rooms, for nine months in the year, and this at the time
of puberty, one of the most important periods of their life when they need
plenty of out-door exercise. Surely, as Goodell says, "If woman is to be
thus stunted and deformed to meet the ambitious intellectual demands of
the day, if her health must be sacrificed upon the altar of her education,
the time may come when to renew the worn out stock of the Republic it will
be necessary for our young men to make matrimonial excursions into lands
where educational theories are unknown."
Symptoms and Condition of the Parts.--In the acute stage the mucous
membrane around the opening of the vagina is red, swollen, painful and
bathed in pus. The glands in the groin and glands of Bartholin are usually
enlarged and tender. The glands of Bartholin and those around the urethra
may become infected and fill with pus. The fatty glands of the labia
majora are also sometimes affected and then appears the disease called
Follicular Vulvitis (in the chronic stage secretion is abundant). The
parts feel hot and there is more or less burning and itching. Walking
makes the trouble worse, due to rubbing of the parts. Passing of urine
increases the distress.
Treatment.--In the acute form the patient should go to bed and remain
there for some time. The parts should be kept constantly moist with a wet
antiseptic dressing, listerine, hot water, etc., applied to the vulva and
kept there.
2. For chronic form Dr. Child says, "The vulva should be shaved, thoroughly
cleansed and a mild ointment applied daily thereafter," such as:
Parts irritable.--The upper angle of the labia majora and the mons veneris
are the usual locations. The skin is inflamed thickened, raw, from the
continual scratching."
In chronic cases the skin is a little thickened and looks dull and dry and
is covered with small cracks and scratches, the result of the patient's
efforts to stop the itching.
Causes.--It may occur during an acute skin disease eruption, like that of
scarlet fever, and occasionally upon exposure to cold during menstruation.
The most frequent exciting causes are the microorganisms, like the
gonorrhea poison, etc.
Treatment.--Never scrape out (curette) the womb for this disease. The womb
should be washed out with a hot salt solution, one teaspoonful of salt to
one pint of water, and then packed with ten per cent iodoform gauze. This
solution should also be injected hot into the rectum and frequently. The
bowels should move freely, and if necessary injections may be given for
that purpose.
The gauze should be removed gradually, beginning on the third day and
ending on the ninth day.
In this disease the interior of the womb is smooth and contains no broken
down or foreign tissue. In the next disease, Putrid Endometritis, it is
far different, for this is caused by the presence of dead material, such
as parts of the after-birth, left in after labor, or sloughing tumors.
This material becomes putrid (rotten), and thus causes the disease called
"Putrid Endometritis."
For the discharge, hot water and corrosive sublimate (1 to 2000) is the
strength to be used. This should be used daily as an injection into the
vagina.
Cancer of the Body of the Womb is found in only about two per cent of womb
cancers.
Causes.--Are not known. They are more frequent between thirty and forty.
If seen early enough some cases can be cured by tampons of ichthyol used
three times a week and prolonged hot water injections at bed time. Cotton
soaked in ichthyol and glycerin are frequently of benefit three times a
week used as a tampon. The patient should not be on her feet much, or be
active. Witch-hazel water can be added to the hot water injection if so
desired.
The tube may become attached to neighboring organs. The pus or fluid may
drain occasionally into the womb and vagina. It may go into the bladder or
bowels.
The Symptoms of the Chronic Variety are due to congestion and adhesions.
There is a constant pain in the region of the tube and the patient
protects herself when she walks, rides or sits down. There are difficult,
painful monthly periods and too much flow. The history shows gonorrhea or
septic infection, that is, disease caused by the absorption of products of
putrefaction.
In the acute form the ovary is slightly enlarged and the follicles on the
circumference are distended and filled with thick fluid or pus.
In the chronic variety the ovary may be small and contain cysts; there is
a destruction of the follicles and a hardened condition develops. The
function of the ovary is then impaired.
TUMORS OF THE OVARY.--Cystoma is the most common tumor of the ovary. The
word "cystoma" means a cyst tumor, or cystic tumor. A cyst means a cavity
containing fluid and surrounded by a covering (capsule). Ovarian cyst or
tumors is often seen in print these days. Ovarian tumor takes in the
cystic variety, cancer and sarcoma, two malignant tumors.
Symptoms.--These depend upon the size of the tumors. The large tumors are
generally cystic. Examination of the vagina shows the pelvis filled by a
tense, watery, fluctuating mass. Examining the abdomen, the abdomen is
seen more or less distended by a regular swelling, and sometimes this is
enormous. The abdomen is rounded and there is no bulging at the sides like
there is in ascites (dropsy). The navel is not prominent. The tumor can be
outlined. It cannot be in ascites.
Treatment.--In bygone years tapping was done for these tumors. If it gets
large or the health fails, an operation should be performed. This is very
successful in uncomplicated cases. Inside of two months the patient is
about well. I know I have saved many lives of women by recommending an
operation for such tumors.
For the congested ovary, treatment by tampons and medicine often helps. I
have frequently given a medicine called Apis-Mel for this condition and
with success. I give it in tablets of 1/100 of a grain regularly four
times a day.
Pregnancy suspends menstruation and often nursing the child does, also.
Menstruation continues longer in robust, healthy women. Change of life
(Menopause) occurs usually between forty and fifty years. The healthy girl
and woman comes around every twenty-eight to thirty days. This is the
usual time. The flow lasts from two to eight days and the quantity is
about one ounce each day. A slight feeling of weight and fullness in the
lower abdomen (pelvis) should be the only symptom present in a healthy
female. The blood lost should not cause any special degree of weakness.
Mix well and give a teaspoonful in a cup of boiling water sweetened with
sugar two or three times a day. Excellent in obstructions of the monthly
periods, debility, loss of appetite, etc. This combination is fine when
used as a tonic. It is stimulating and has been known to cure many severe
cases.
2. In young girls and women who are not married, thirty drops of the fluid
extract of Ergot three times a day. This medicine will cause the womb to
contract. Hot douches can be given to married women. If the bleeding is
severe it may be necessary to pack the vagina with sterile gauze. Ergotin
ten to twenty drops, may be needed, given hypodermically. If it is due to
constitutional causes, like anemia, a played-out feeling, paleness.
weakness, etc., a tonic treatment is needed.
Mix and make forty-eight pills. Take one to three, three times a day after
meals.
6. Golden seal root made into a tea is good in some cases, especially if
the tongue is much coated.
Causes.--It may be caused by a narrow cervical canal, the canal from the
inner womb to the vagina. This is often very narrow and almost closed.
Again it is produced by the womb being turned back and bent on the canal,
thus partially closing it. This causes the blood to be retained in the
womb and then the womb contracts to expel the blood, pains being the
natural result. Diseases of the womb and ovaries also cause it. Sometimes
the membrane of the womb is cast off in the form of shreds or even a cast
of the inner womb.
2. If the patient's nervous system is run down the "Rest Cure" will be of
benefit, and medicines to strengthen the nerves. Exercise, outdoor life,
horseback riding are of great benefit in toning the system.
Causes.--Some are congenital, that is, from birth, and a few are the
result of some injury, falls or blows. It is more often found in
child-bearing women, and this may be due to the fact that the womb has not
returned to its normal size and weight, and therefore there is more weight
for the ligaments to hold up. The ligaments often relax and do not support
the womb as thoroughly as before.
FALLING OR PROLAPSE OF THE WOMB.--The womb may come down and remain in the
vagina (incomplete falling). When the womb escapes at the vulva it is
called a complete falling (prolapse or procidentia).
For the Incomplete Kind.--Replace the womb and wear a support for months.
For the Complete Falling.--Replace the womb. The patient should remain in
bed with daily, hot, prolonged vaginal injections of water for a few
weeks. The injection daily of white oak bark tea, of the strength of one
ounce of the bark to a pint of hot water, is often of great benefit.
5. Falling of the Womb, White Oak Bark for.--"A mild infusion of white oak
bark, or of alum or tannin, used in quantities of a pint, as a douche,
will often give immediate relief."
Causes.--It is dependent upon many causes. Tear of the neck of the womb
(cervix), displacements, inflammation of the womb and vagina, a run-down
condition of the system from any cause. The character of the discharge
varies.
3. Leucorrhea, Common Tea for.--"A very simple remedy that every woman has
in the home is a decoction of common tea; used as an injection twice daily
is very beneficial." The tea has an astringent action and the tannin
contained in the tea leaves is very effective. This remedy is a harmless
one, and every woman suffering with this disagreeable disease should give
this remedy a trial.
5. Leucorrhea, White Oak Bark for.--"White oak bark one ounce, water one
pint. This makes a very good injection and will be found very effective,"
Add three pints of water, simmer to one quart, pour boiling hot upon one
ounce of grated nutmeg, one-half ounce ginger, powdered, one half pound of
granulated sugar. Exercise in the open air and nourishing food are
indispensable."
8. Leucorrhea, an Easily Prepared Remedy for.--"Red oak bark tea used with
syringe; follow with hot water." Steep the red oak bark and make a tea of
it, using about two or three teaspoonfuls of the bark to a pint of hot
water. This acts as an astringent and the red oak bark contains a good
deal of tannin which is very beneficial in cases of this kind.
Local.--The vagina should be kept as clean as possible with the hot water
injections. To the hot water many simple remedies can be added with much
benefit.
1. One ounce of white oak bark in a pint of boiling water makes a good
injection for this trouble. Before any medicine is used the vagina should
always be washed out by an injection of warm water. Then follow with the
indicated injection and retain it as long as possible.
2. Tannic acid and glycerin, equal parts, one ounce to two quarts of warm
water, is a good injection.
The onset of the change of life, may be sudden or gradual. The organs
shrink and waste. The womb shrinks and part of its muscular tissue
disappears and its walls become thin, soft and relaxed. The ovaries become
small and harder. The vagina shortens and also becomes narrower. Sudden
mental shock, wasting disease or change of climate, may cause a sudden
appearance of the change of life.
Causes.--Hard child-birth (labor) and the long time the head of the child
was resting on the perineum. This resulted in an overstretching or tear of
the muscle that holds up the lower end of the bowel and the parts were
necessarily weakened.
OBSTETRICS OR MIDWIFERY
Small bodies are contained in the ovaries. These are called eggs or ova.
The human egg is about 1/125 of an inch in diameter. This egg enlarges and
one or more escape from the ovaries, usually about the time of the monthly
sickness, and are caught by the ends of the Fallopian tube, enter its
canal and are carried into the womb. After they have arrived in the womb
they are, as a rule, cast off with the secretion and leave the body. If in
the course of its travel from the ovaries, through the tube to the womb,
the female ovum or egg meets with the male elements, fertilization or
impregnation may take place. If then it is not cast off it generally
lodges in the womb and pregnancy has begun. The male and female elements
are usually supposed to meet in the outer portion of the Fallopian tubes,
fertilization then taking place; but this can occur any place from the
ovary to the womb. When the fertilized egg enters the womb it is usually
arrested in the folds of the womb membrane nearest the opening of the tube
and at once attaches itself to the womb wall. The folds by which it is
surrounded then grow forward and their edges unite over the egg or ovum
forming a sac--the decidua reflexa. Then follows the development of this
ovum and with it the development of the womb, and this growth or
development constitutes the process which is called pregnancy.
First month.--There are indications of the eyes, mouth and anus. The
extremities are rudimentary. The heart is 4/10 of an inch long.
Second month.--It is now about one inch long. The eyes, nose and ears can
be distinguished. External genitals. There are suggestions of the hands
and feet.
Third month.--The ovum is now the size of a goose-egg. Fingers and toes
separate, nails look like fine membranes. The neck separates the head from
the body. The sex can now be told. Length is five inches. Weight about 460
grains.
Fourth month.--Six inches long and now weighs 850 grains. Short hairs are
present. Head equal to about one-fourth entire body. May perceive
quickening.
Eighth month.--Sixteen inches long; weight 3-1/2 pounds. Left testicle has
descended into the scrotum. Nails protrude to end of finger tips.
While this growth goes on in the embryo the womb itself shows changes. The
virgin womb averages 2-3/4 inches in length, 1-3/4 inches in width and 1
inch in thickness and weighs about 12 drams. At term (confinement) the
womb is about 14 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 9-1/2 inches thick. This
increase in size is necessary for its growing contents and is due to both
an enlargement of its tissues (hypertrophy) and to an increase in the
number of its cells (hyperplasia). The muscular fibres are elongated to
about 11 inches, and they are five times thicker than they are in a womb
that is not pregnant. The cervix or neck of the womb participates but
little in these changes, and remains practically the same until a few
weeks before confinement. It becomes softened as the result of congestion,
and the glands are more active, secreting a thick glairy mucus. The canal
also is more or less dilated.
While this process is going on in the womb, various other conditions show
themselves, sometimes in the parts of the body so distant that it may not
be easy to discover the connection with the womb. Almost any part of the
body is liable to show changes from its normal condition; and yet some of
these changes are so constant and regular as to be regarded as signs of
pregnancy. It must not be forgotten, however, that sure signs of
pregnancy, such as cannot be induced by other causes, are very limited,
especially in the early months.
Changes occur in the genital organs that may lead a physician to suspect
that pregnancy may exist; but the first symptom that attracts the
attention of the woman, is the passing of the monthly period. This is not
an absolute sign of pregnancy, since other things or conditions may cause
it. The effect of the mind upon the body may cause it, and it also occurs
sometimes in early married life without any appreciable cause, unless it
may be then due to the effect upon the nervous system of the marital
relation. Again, the monthly sickness sometimes continues in a greater or
less degree, during a part or even the whole of pregnancy. Usually this
discharge is due to some diseased condition of the cervix. The fear of
impregnation in unmarried women after illicit intercourse will
occasionally suspend menstruation for one or two months.
Position of the Womb.--At four months the top of the womb has risen above
the pelvic brim bone in front; at five months, it is midway between the
bone (pubic) and the navel; at six months, it is at the navel; at seven
months, it is four fingers breadths above the navel; at eight months, it
is midway between the navel and the bottom of the breast bone; at nine
months, it is to the breast bone; from the middle to the end of the ninth
month, the top of the womb sinks to about the position occupied at the
eighth month.
Twins occur about once in ninety to one hundred and twenty, triplets once
in one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, and quadruplets once in
three hundred and seventy-one thousand one hundred and twenty-six
pregnancies. The causes are unknown. Twin conception is more common in
women who have borne children, and more so in the elderly than in the
young, first bearing women (primiparae).
Sex.--Children from the same ovum (egg) are always of the same sex. Of
twins in general, more than one-third are males, less than one-third are
females, and in the remaining one-third both sexes occur. The after-birth
is always, at least at first, double.
The heartiest meal should be taken near midday and the stomach, especially
at night, should never be overloaded. Water should, be drank freely, as it
tends to overcome the constipation and wash out the kidneys. Some women do
better with lighter meals and taken more frequently. Some do better by
taking their breakfast before rising.
It is also best to remain in the recumbent position for some time after
the injection, to rest.
The rectum should be washed out once or twice daily in the interval
between the feeding.
Varicose Veins and Piles.--Varicose veins: These are due to the pressure
on the veins so that the return flow of blood is impeded and occur as a
rule late in pregnancy. They are seen oftenest on the inner side of the
thighs, the lower extremities, the vulva, and in the region of the anus.
As a rule, they do not give much trouble. When they become painful or
inflamed the patient should lie down, with the legs elevated and use water
of witch-hazel applied with cloths. Elastic stockings, properly fitted,
give much relief when the trouble is on the thigh and leg.
If the after-birth has formed it may be cast off entire or piecemeal. The
embryo (child) alone may escape, the neck of the womb contracts and shuts;
bleeding persists for an indefinite period, for weeks and weeks, until the
health of the poor woman is seriously affected. Persistent bleeding of
this kind is almost always due to the retention of portions of the
after-birth or membranes, and should prove to the woman that there is a
serious condition existing which should be speedily corrected. A physician
should be called who should make a thorough examination; and if such a
condition as above described is found, should free the womb from its
retained products, which are not only sapping the woman's life, but also
rendering the future health of the womb very uncertain.
Treatment of the Inevitable Abortion.--If the cervix is hard and the canal
is not dilated, especially if the bleeding is free, the vagina should be
packed full at once, if possible, with iodoform gauze. Rolls five yards
long and two inches wide can be bought perfectly adapted to this purpose.
A speculum should be used (Sims' or Graves') and the gauze should first be
packed tightly into corners (fornices) around the cervix, then over the
cervix and well down to the outlet. This should be held in place by a
proper (T) bandage. The gauze can be removed in from twelve to twenty-four
hours, and the ovum will generally be found lying upon the upper part of
the packing, or in the canal that is now dilated, from which it can easily
be removed. Sometimes it is necessary to repack and allow it to remain for
another twelve hours as the canal has not been sufficiently dilated by the
first packing. This packing not only causes the canal to dilate but
usually stops the bleeding. After the ovum has been expelled an antiseptic
vaginal douche should be given twice a day for a week or longer.
If at the first examination the cervix is found softened and the mouth of
the womb is open, but the womb has not yet expelled its contents, the
sterile (clean) finger may be introduced into the womb and the ovum and
membranes loosened and taken away, while this is being done counter
pressure should be made over the abdomen. After the womb has been cleared
of all its contents an antiseptic solution should be used, carefully, in
the womb to wash it out, and this followed by washing out of the vagina.
The after treatment is the same as that for labor at full term. The woman
should remain in bed at least ten days.
These false pains recur at regular intervals of hours or even days, and
generally at night, last for a varying period and usually disappear in the
morning. They often deceive the woman and lead her to the belief that the
labor has already begun; but examination of the cervix will reveal that
this is not so. It is well to bear in mind that the true labor pains
usually begin in the back, extend down to the thighs and often around to
the front and they recur at regular intervals, and with increasing
intensity.
The First Stage.--The first stage varies greatly in different women. The
average duration of this stage is from ten to fourteen hours in the woman
with the first child, and six to eight hours in the woman who has borne
children. During this stage the woman prefers to remain on her feet, sit,
stand or walk about. The amount of pain experienced varies greatly,
according to the temperament of the patient; in nervous women it may be
excessive. The pains now have nothing of that bearing down character which
they afterward acquire; they are described as "grinding," are usually felt
in the front. The genitals become bathed with secretions, which are
sometimes tinged with blood. This is an especially trying period to a
young wife, for she cannot see that the pains are doing any good, only
making her restless, tired and nervous. Little can be done by the
physician in this stage except to encourage and explain what is really
being accomplished by these seemingly futile pains and by tact and proper
encouragement, a physician tides this stage over and gives great comfort
to the needy patient. This stage ends with the opening and dilation of the
mouth of the womb and the second or expulsive stage sets in, with pains
altered in character.
Second Stage.--The pains now become more frequent and severe and last
longer, and the patient now manifests a strong desire to expel the
contents of the womb. The woman now feels better in bed and when the pains
come she involuntarily bears down, with each contraction she sets her
teeth, takes a deep breath, fixes the diaphragm, contracts the muscles of
the abdomen and bears down hard if you allow her to do so. The knowledge
that she is working to overcome an obstacle gives her some satisfaction
and she feels that she is accomplishing something by the efforts she is
making. The physician can aid greatly by suggesting to the patient how to
use the pains and how much bearing down to do. He can tell her when not to
bear down, and so save her strength for the next real pain when bearing
down will do good. Although the pains are really harder in this stage,
nervous women suffer no more, for their mind is now concentrated upon the
work at hand. Sometimes at the beginning of this stage the patient feels
chilly or has a severe chill; a hot drink and more covering counteract
this. Another phenomena is the escape of the waters and a lull in the
pains for a little time, when they come on more effectively than before as
the womb contracts down upon the child and is not hindered by the "bag of
water." The pains keep on at intervals until the child is born and the
physician can now be of help by guiding, directing and assisting the birth
of the head. This stage averages about two hours.
Third Stage.--The birth of the head is very soon followed by the shoulders
and the rest of the body, and the woman is now at comparative rest. The
cord is now tied and cut and the child laid away, if all right, in a warm
place until it can be washed and dressed. Following the birth of the child
there is a short resting period, the contractions of the womb cease and it
becomes smaller through retraction. After a few minutes the pains begin
again, the after-birth separates from its attachment in the womb, and
together with the membranes is extruded into the vaginal canal and vulvar
opening; whence it can be easily delivered by pressing upon the abdomen
over the lump (womb) and by guiding the after-birth with the cord. This
should be done slowly so that the membranes will all come away with the
after-birth.
The physician with his hands thoroughly sterilized and with a clean
sterilized gown, seats himself on the edge of the bed and watches the
progress of the labor, ready to assist the woman at any moment. And at
this time he can do much by words of encouragement and proper directions
to the laboring woman how to use her pains so as to get the most from
them; and also by manipulation of the soft parts and the head. The head
advances more and more with each succeeding pain, and the perineum is put
on the stretch, each contraction is followed by a resting pause during
which the head slips back a little and relieves the perineum. Tear of the
perineum is liable to take place when the head is about to escape through
the vulvar opening, especially if the contractions are strong, the woman
bears down forcibly and the interval between the pains is short, so that
the head is forced out before the parts have time to completely dilate and
soften. Here is where the physician's work comes in, by holding the head
back and fully flexed (bent), chin upon the breast, and keeping the back
of the head (occiput) well up towards the bone in front (pubic arch) until
thc perineum is completely dilated.
From the time of the birth of the head to the delivery of the after-birth
the womb must be controlled by the firm pressure of the hand on the
abdomen. It is well for the nurse, when the after-birth is separating from
the womb to follow the womb, throughout this whole stage, by keeping her
hand upon it and if, while the physician is attending to the child, the
womb softens and enlarges she should at once notify him. There may be
bleeding within the womb. After the womb is empty, friction should be made
over the womb whenever it softens at all in order to stimulate the womb to
perfect contraction, and it should be kept up at intervals for one hour
after the after-birth and membranes have been delivered.
THE CHILD.
The eyes should be washed soon and normal respiration established. If the
child does not breathe well, cold water may be sprinkled in the face and
chest and if this fails, immersions in hot water at 106 degrees F., and
sprinkling with cold water must be resorted to. If necessary, artificial
respiration must be given. Slap the child on the back and move the arms up
and down by the side a few times, or breathing into the child's mouth.
After the breathing has been established the child should be wrapped in a
warm flannel with hot water bags or cans near it, and left until the
mother has been cared for. Infants at birth are covered with a white
greasy substance, vernix caseosa, or cheesy varnish; it is removed by
applying olive oil, vaselin or fresh lard, and afterward rubbing the skin
gently with a soft cloth. The eyes and mouth should be washed out with
pure warm water--or a saturated solution of boric acid, used. Separate
squares of soft linen being used for this purpose. If the baby is born too
soon or is very small, weak and undeveloped, it should be given an oil
bath, only, and then wrapped in cotton wool and kept at a temperature of
not less than 80 degrees F., for ten days or two weeks.
THE MOTHER.
The first duty of the physician, following the third stage of labor, is to
see that the womb is well contracted and control of this organ should be
continued for at least one hour after delivery. This generally prevents
excessive loss of blood. If necessary to promote womb contraction one
teaspoonful of ergot can be given. After the womb has been kept in a state
of contraction, the room should be rid of all evidences of labor and the
woman made comfortable. The buttocks and thighs which have been soiled
during the labor should be bathed with warm water and soap and the
external genitals sprayed with an antiseptic solution, then dried with
sterile gauze or cotton, the dressing applied to the vulva and the
temporary bed removed, her night dress pulled down and the patient thus
lying in a clean, comfortable bedding. The woman may then have a cup of
weak tea, hot milk or broth and be left to rest; but during the first
sleep the womb should be carefully watched lest it relax and serious, if
not fatal, bleeding occur. In a normal confinement the dressings need not
be changed, as a rule, oftener than six times in twenty-four hours, for
the first few days. As soon as convenient after the first toilet is
finished the physician sterilizes his hands and with the patient on her
left side introduces one finger into the rectum and the thumb into the
vagina to discover the condition of the perineum. Washing out of the
vagina is not necessary as a rule.
Rest.--Complete rest of the body and mind is essential to the well being
of the lying-in woman. She is better off without any company, and should
see no one except her family for the first week or two. Outside visitors
should be prohibited. The lying-in room should be kept free from noise and
confusion, and the patient should be protected from annoyances of every
kind. She should remain lying on her back for a few days and immediately
following delivery she should not have a pillow for her head. Sleep is
very necessary and desirable, and mild medicines should be given to
produce it, if necessary. It is best not to sit up in the bed until the
womb shall have had time to become smaller, and has resumed its natural
position behind the pubis. Among the upper classes, when it takes the womb
longer to regain its normal size, three weeks is a good rule to go by
before sitting up in the room, and she should remain in her room until the
end of the fourth week. Among healthy women of the laboring class, whose
muscular system has not been injured by "culture" and social excesses, the
womb and appendages regain their normal proportions more rapidly; but even
they should remain in bed two weeks.
THE BLADDER.--If the patient is not able to pass urine it should be drawn
once in eight or twelve hours or oftener if required. A No.7 rubber
catheter is best. After it has been used, it should be sterilized by
boiling and then kept in a bichloride solution (1-2000). It should be
washed off with boiled water again before being used to remove the
bichloride solution and greased with sterile oil. The parts should be
exposed to pass the catheter, the labia separated by the finger and thumb,
and the opening of the urethra and surrounding parts bathed clean with an
antiseptic solution; unless you are clean decomposing discharges from the
vagina may be introduced into the bladder and a cystitis set up. The care
of the bladder is very important. It is not so sensitive after the labor
and the woman may have urine when she does not think so. Sometimes she
passes a little after trying and then thinks there is no more in the
bladder. Even the attendants are deceived sometimes. I once had a case
where the mother was the nurse. At each visit I inquired as to the amount
of urine passed. I was told each time it was sufficient. She suffered
severely the second day in the evening. I went to see her and against the
protests of the mother I used the catheter and took away an enormous
quantity of urine. In such cases the bladder should be emptied slowly to
save the woman from shock.
4. Caked Breasts, Fresh Hops for.--"Fry one pint of fresh hops in a half
cup of lard until the lard is a rich brown, then strain, set away to cool
and use as a salve."
2. Sore Nipples, Good Family Ointment for.--"Four ounces of white wax, one
ounce bayberry wax, three ounces of spermaceti, one pint olive oil. Mix
briskly over a slow fire, taking care to stir it briskly until cool." This
is an excellent ointment for mothers when troubled with sore nipples; it
moistens the skin and forms a coating. It is good for dry, scurvy, chapped
hands, blotches on the face and all sores which require a mild ointment,
but should be assisted with internal remedies when the case requires it.
The Lochia.--By this term is meant the discharges from the womb and soft
parts after labor. They are mixed with blood at first and contain dark
clots, mucus, shreds of the after-birth and pieces of the membrane. They
become paler in color from the end of the third to the sixth day. After
this the color is yellow, greenish and contains pus and fatty cells, with
a little blood. This discharge varies in different women. In those who
menstruate freely and do not nurse they are usually copious; when
decomposed, they smell badly and the odor is penetrating. The flow may
cease entirely between the second and sixth week. It is increased by
exertions at about the time the patient begins to move about.
Symptoms.--If the bleeding is profuse, the pulse is fast, the woman looks
pale, anxious and feels cold, restless, gaping, usually it comes from a
relaxed, softened and enlarged womb.
This kneading should be kept up until the womb contracts. The hand can
then be removed from the vagina, while gentle kneading is slowly kept up
over the womb. The womb should be closely watched for hours after.
Bleeding very seldom occurs again, but it might. If the bleeding is more
of an oozing, an injection of very hot water, 120 degrees F., through a
long douche nozzle, directly into the womb cavity may be given. This is
very effective for any kind of bleeding. Lemon juice or boiled vinegar can
be added to the injection. Everything used must be perfectly clean or
child-bed fever may be caused by these measures. After the womb has
thoroughly contracted, it is sometimes of benefit to place a rubber bag
filled with cold water over the pubic bone to prevent subsequent
relaxations of the womb. Weakness can be met by hypodermics of whisky or
brandy and strychnine, one-thirtieth of grain, injected hypodermically to
stimulate the heart.
Pulse and Temperature.--The temperature may rise one to one and one-half
degrees without the case being abnormal. The pulse falls after labor,
ranging between sixty and seventy. A rise of temperature, a rapid pulse, a
flushed face, a chill, pain or tenderness of the abdomen, and abnormal
increase or decrease of the discharge, bleeding, or offensive odor of the
discharge should cause suspicion of child-bed (puerperal) fever. This is a
grave condition and results from infection which has taken place during
labor or afterward. The septic matter may be carried in on the fingers or
instruments by the physician or attendants, etc. The most usual sources
are unclean hands, instruments and clothing which come in contact with the
woman's genitals. The attack is usually ushered in during the second to
the fourth day by a chill, or chilly sensations, etc., rise of
temperature, rapid pulse, accompanied by headache and a feeling of
weariness. The discharge may be increased at first, but later diminished
and may cease; or it may be abundant, frothy and of a very fetid odor.
Secretion of milk may fail, the bowels are usually constipated, pain in
the abdomen develops.
Symptoms.--They may develop at any time between the tenth and thirtieth
days or even later. These are general feelings of weariness, stiffness and
soreness of the leg, especially when it is moved. There may first be pain
in the region of the groin; or pain from the ankle to the groin and
followed by swelling. The skin of the leg becomes markedly swollen, white
and shiny. Later there is pitting on pressure, but not at first, because
the skin is extremely stretched. Fever may accompany the attack, but it
will subside long before the swelling of the leg has disappeared.
The vein may be felt as a hard lash-like cord, a red line of inflammation
marking its course along the inner and under side of the thigh. The
disease may last weeks, depending upon the severity of the trouble. The
affected leg is disabled for a number of months after recovery. Recovery
takes place as a rule. Absorption of the clot takes place, or the vessel
remains closed, and another (compensatory) circulation is established.
Treatment.--The patient should lie in bed with the leg elevated and
swathed in flannel or cotton wet with some quieting lotion. The following
is a good lotion:--
Wet the flannel or cotton with this. After the acute symptoms have passed
the following ointment may be put on the leg:--
Ichthyol 45 grains
Iodide of Lead 45 grains
Chloride of Ammonium 10 grains
Alboline 1 ounce
The parts should not be rubbed lest a clot be loosened and travel in the
general circulation and thus endanger life.
How long does pregnancy usually last? Two hundred and eighty days.
How can the time be reckoned? Count back three months from the first day
of the last menstruation and add seven days to the date thus obtained. To
be more accurate, you should add only six days in the months of April and
September, five days in December and January, and in February four days.
What time of pregnancy does the form begin to change? It changes a little
the first two months. It is flatter and lower down. After the third month
there is a progressive enlargement.
When should the family physician be informed of the woman's condition? The
first month.
Why? So that the woman will know how to live properly, and also that he
will be given the urine twice each month to examine. This is for her
protection and is necessary, because anything that may be wrong with the
kidneys can be corrected much easier, and diet, etc. can be arranged to
prevent future trouble.
What kind of diet should a pregnant woman have? She should eat only
healthy articles of food. Stimulating, highly seasoned, rich, greasy foods
should be avoided. Constipation is frequently present and the diet must be
chosen with reference to that also. She should not restrict herself to one
line of diet unless it is necessary.
Should she take a daily bath, if so, what kind and when? Yes, if it does
her good. The pores of the skin should be kept open so that the kidneys
will have less work to do. Spray and baths should be taken cold or
lukewarm. Hot baths or Turkish baths are to be avoided. The time should be
at the woman's convenience. Morning is preferable, if she does not feel
the need of sleep.
Should she take a daily nap and when? Yes, one or two hours in the
forenoon, and also in the afternoon.
Should she take exercise? Yes, exercise is necessary. This promotes the
proper circulation of the blood, favors rest and sleep, relieves the
"blues," tones the whole system, gives her good wholesome air and makes
everything look better. It should not be violent. Slow walking and riding
in an easy carriage. She should not ride a horse, run, jump, dance, or do
any jerky or violent exercise; no heavy lifting or reaching up.
What is the meaning of the word enciente? The Roman women were accustomed
to wear a tight girdle about their waists which was called a cincture.
This they removed when they were pregnant. They were then said to be
incincta, or unbound. The term enciente is derived from this, and is
frequently used to indicate pregnancy.
At what period is it most common? Between the ninth and sixteenth weeks
when the after-birth is forming.
What are the causes of miscarriage? Diseases of the womb, disease in the
father, constipation, falls, over-exertion, violent emotions, such as
shock, fright, anger, blows on the abdomen, over-lifting, reaching up,
sewing on machine.
What is the first thing to do? Lie down, rest and send for a doctor.
Do the breasts need any special care? The nipple, if much drawn in and
small, should be "pulled out" once or twice daily. It will do to rub sweet
oil on the breasts every evening in order to relieve the tightness and
discomfort, especially after the pregnancy has advanced some months.
Are there any diseases to which a pregnant woman is more subject? None. The
kidneys need more watching.
Can any dentistry be done during pregnancy? Not if it makes her very
nervous; but toothache can cause more harm from a diseased tooth than if
it were treated carefully.
Why do pregnant women suffer from "varicose" veins? The enlarged womb
presses upon the veins and thus obstructs the return flow of the blood. It
is not so common during the first pregnancy.
Can anything be done for this trouble? The woman should lie down a good
part of the time if possible, and also wear a perfectly fitting elastic
stocking. They can be had of any size and length. The limb should be
measured for them.
Does oiling and massaging the body do good? Some women claim it does; it
certainly puts the muscles in better condition and strengthens the muscles
of the abdomen which have so much part in the labor.
What is the morning sickness and are all women subject to it? Nausea and
vomiting without any cause. No; many escape it entirely.
At what period of pregnancy does it usually occur? During the early months
it is more frequent and troublesome.
How long does it usually last? Usually three or four months, but it may
last during the whole pregnancy.
What can be done for it? In some cases arranging the diet to prevent and
cure constipation relieves it. For fuller treatment see this heading under
Obstetrics.
Does it ever endanger life? Not often, but a physician should be called if
it is bad.
Can any strict rules be laid down for this trouble? No, but the food
should be as concentrated as possible; egg-nog, ice cream, a bit of rare
steak, etc., raw oysters, gruels, meat broths, etc., if liquids are well
borne. It is surprising how little will keep up some women during
pregnancy.
When and how often should the urine be examined? From the beginning and
twice each month, and every week after the fifth month.
When should the nurse be called? Long enough before the expected time to
get everything ready.
What are false pains? They occur during the last few weeks of pregnancy at
irregular intervals and are usually in the abdomen.
What is the bag of waters? It is a sac containing the fluid in which the
child floats while in the womb. The amount of fluid varies from a pint to
a gallon or more. When it ruptures there is a sudden flow of liquid, more
or less continuous flow. It may occur at the very beginning of labor and
is one of the signs of labor.
Care of the eyes.--Wipe the eyelids with clean gauze and water. If there
has been much discharge from the vagina during pregnancy, the child's eyes
should be washed cleanly and also one or two drops of the one per cent
solution of silver nitrate should be put into each eye as a preventive.
(See Obstetrics).
How often should the baby's bowels move? Two or three times daily for the
first week, and then once or twice a day.
What is the appearance of the stool? It is soft, yellow and smooth and
should not contain any lumps.
How about the urine? It should pass from six to ten times a day, and it
should be colorless.
What is the average weight of a healthy baby? Seven to seven and one-half
pounds.
Does it lose any weight during the first week? Yes, generally a few
ounces, then it begins to gain at the rate of four to six ounces each
week.
Should the newly-born babe have its eyes exposed to the light? The eyes
are very sensitive, and the sun or artificial light should not be allowed
to shine on them. The first day the baby is deaf, but his hearing develops
and becomes very acute so that he is very much disturbed by sudden, sharp
noises.
What is the "soft" spot on a baby's head? This is called the "fontanelle."
Do not touch this spot. This closes in time. At six months of age the
fontanelle is somewhat larger than it was at birth because the brain
expands faster than the boney matter deposited around the edges in the
skull bones. After this another deposit of bone goes on more rapidly than
the growth of the brain substance, and by sixteen or eighteen months the
opening should be entirely closed.
When should the baby be given the second tub bath? Not until the cord has
dropped off.
How and when should this be given? The room should be warm. The head and
face should be washed first and dried; then the body soaped and the infant
placed in the tub with its head and body well supported by the hands. The
bath should be given quickly with no special rubbing, drying with a soft
towel. (An hour after feeding).
What should be the temperature of the bath? One hundred degrees F. for the
first few weeks, later ninety-eight F. After six months ninety-five F.;
during the second year from eighty-five to ninety degrees F.
What should you use in giving the bath? Soft, clean sponges or smooth
cloths. There should be separate pieces for each eye, for the head, face
and buttocks.
What are the objections to sponges? They are very apt to become dirty and
are hard to keep clean.
When should the daily bath be omitted? In the case of infants who are
delicate and feeble, when the bath seems to harm them; in all forms of
acute sickness, unless the bath is directed. In eczema and many other
forms of skin diseases a great deal of harm is often done by soap and
water or water baths.
How should a genuine bath be given? If possible the bath should be given
in front of an open fire, in a room where the temperature is from seventy
to seventy-two F. and the draughts kept off by a large screen. Have
everything at hand with which to give the bath. A folding rubber bath-tub
is the best, next a papier-mache one; or if tin must be used, put a piece
of flannel in the tub to protect the baby from the tin. If necessary place
the tub on a low table, place another low table to the right of the one on
which the tub sets, and on this table should be the baby's basket
containing a soft brush, different sizes of pins in a pin-cushion, several
threaded needles, a thimble, squares of soft linen, absorbent cotton,
wooden tooth-picks, a powder-box and puff, or a powder-shaker containing
pure talcum powder, a box of bismuth subnitrate, one of cold cream, a tube
of white vaselin, a dish containing castile, ivory, or pure French soap
should be placed by the basket on the table; also a cup containing a
saturated solution of boric acid; two cheese-cloth washcloths, a soft
towel, a thermometer to test the water, several toothpicks on which a
little absorbent cotton is twisted, and the rolled flannel band. Then a
basin containing warm water, 98 to 100 degrees F., also one with cold
water. The baby-clothes should be hung on a rack close at hand.
How to take care of a sore navel.--If it looks red or has a thin discharge
coming from it, wash it carefully twice a day with saturated solution of
boric acid; or if pus is there use a 1-5000 solution of bichloride of
mercury. Use for a dusting powder one part of salicylic acid and nineteen
parts of starch on it. It needs a physician's attention if it does not
soon heal.
Do any physicians advocate a daily bath before the cord drops off? Yes;
but not a full tub bath.
When does the cord drop off? In from five to ten days.
GENITAL ORGANS.
When is circumcision needed? Usually when the foreskin is very long and
very tight, so that one must use force to push it back, and always if it
produces local irritation.
How should you clean the genitals of a female child? Use good absorbent
cotton and warm water, with a solution of boric acid if necessary, about
two teaspoonfuls to a pint of warm water. This should be done once a day.
Is the hood of the clitoris ever too tight? Yes, and it needs to be
loosened and kept so, or it will produce irritation and sometimes
convulsions.
How should you wash the genitals of a male child? In infants and children,
this should be attended to daily. The foreskin should be pushed back and
the parts washed with absorbent cotton and water. Tight foreskin and
unclean parts induce trouble and bad habits.
How should a newly-born baby's eyes be treated? They should be kept clean
with a soft cloth and warm water. Do not use the same piece of cloth for
both eyes.
Should redness and pus appear in the eye or eyes a few days after birth,
what should be done? Use a piece of soft linen or absorbent cotton and wet
it in a solution of boric acid or salt (one-half teaspoonful to one pint
of water, warm) and wash out the eye or eyes, and if pus appears, use a
stronger solution of boric acid (ten grains to eight teaspoonfuls of
water.) If the lids stick together grease them with vaselin from a tube
and rub in at night. If the sore eyes are severe send for a physician as
it may be the beginning of ophthalmia neonatorum.
2. Sore Eyes. A Nurse from New York sends the following remedy for.--"Take
a cup of water that has been boiled and cooled and dissolve in it one
teaspoonful boracic acid powder. Bathe the eyes thoroughly and often." A
nurse in New York state, gives this recipe, and says she has been a nurse
for several years and has never had a case of sore eyes which did not heal
with this treatment.
How is washing out the baby's mouth done? Use a swab made by twisting some
absorbent cotton upon a toothpick. The folds between the gums and lips and
cheeks may be gently and carefully cleaned twice a day unless the mouth is
sore.
If a baby cries while nursing, what is the cause? It may have a sore
mouth. What is thrush or sprue? Patches looking like little white threads
or flakes appear inside the cheeks.
Should the baby continue to nurse? Yes, but the mother should thoroughly
cleanse her nipple with a solution of boric acid after each nursing.
What should be done for it? It should be washed before and after every
feeding with a solution of baking soda or boric acid of the strength of
one even teaspoonful to twenty-four teaspoonfuls of water, or listerine,
one teaspoonful to twenty-four teaspoonfuls of warm water, can be used.
(This will be treated more fully later under diseases). A solution of
borax (twenty grains to eight teaspoonfuls of water) can be applied every
two hours with a camel's hair brush. Borax, sage and honey are good old
remedies.
Should the scalp have special care at birth? It should then and afterward
be kept clean to keep scurf from accumulating. It should be wet before the
body is immersed in the bath. The hair should always be dried carefully;
brush first with a soft towel and then with a fine, smooth hair-brush.
Never use a comb on an infant's head.
Should any dressing be put on the scalp? No, for if the hair is washed and
brushed, the oil from the scalp will keep it soft, glossy and healthful.
3. Glycerin 1 ounce
Distilled water 1 ounce
Boric Acid 2 drams
4. Golden seal diluted one-half with boiled water makes an excellent mouth
wash. Also a weak solution of alum. Use a piece of absorbent cotton or
soft linen on your little finger or small round piece of wood and dip in
solution and apply. Dr. Douglas, of Detroit, advises the use of a soft
brush. This should be boiled after using.
Put a pinch on the tongue every two or three hours. The child's tongue
will work it around. This avoids the pain from washing, etc.
Apply gently to the inside of the mouth several times a day in thrush or
any form of sore mouth or gums. Use a camel's hair brush.
A diaper should never be used more than once without washing. It should be
removed as soon as it is wet and placed in a covered pail in the bathroom,
etc., and washed at the first opportunity. Pure white soap only should be
used, and the diapers should be thoroughly rinsed and boiled. Dry them in
the sun and air and never before the nursery fire. They should be warmed
before they are again used. Unclean, soiled diapers frequently cause
chafing.
Should a baby cry while passing urine? No; it may be too acid, alkaline,
too little of it or too concentrated, or have sand in it. Examine the
diapers.
How about bands for the baby? Straight pieces of flannel, twenty-two by
five inches or wider. They may be knitted.
How long should they be worn? The snug bands, flannel or knitted should be
worn, not tight, three months; then if one is worn it should be loose. It
may prevent rupture and bowel trouble.
Do you approve of rubber diapers as an outside covering? No, because they
confine the dampness cause more sweating of the parts and may thus cause
chafing, etc.
How large should a diaper be? A diaper should be twice as long as wide.
They may be different sizes, eighteen by thirty-six inches, twenty-two by
forty-four, or twenty-seven by fifty-four.
CHAFING.
Where are the places where baby is most likely to chafe? The buttocks, in
the folds of the neck and in the groins.
How can you prevent chafing? Use very little soap; no strong soap; rinse
the body carefully; dry thoroughly after rinsing; use clean diapers; use
dusting powder in the folds of the flesh, especially in fat babies.
If the skin is very sensitive, what then? Do not use any soap, but use
bran or salt baths.
How can you prepare a bran bath? Place one pint of wheat bran in coarse
muslin or cheese-cloth bag and put this in the bath water. It should then
be squeezed for five minutes until the water looks like porridge.
How is a salt bath prepared? One teaspoonful of common salt to each two
gallons of water.
If the parts are chafed what should we do? Do not use any soap, and give
only bran or salt baths or use pure olive oil and no water at all on the
chafed parts. Dry the parts carefully with old, soft linen and dust them
with a powder made of starch and talcum--equal part--with one-fourth as
much boric acid, all carefully mixed together. Or use starch two parts and
boric acid one part. Pure stearate of zinc powder is also good. Keep a
little piece of soft linen between the folds of the flesh, so they will
not be irritated by rubbing together.
How shall I take care of the buttocks to prevent chafing? This is the most
common place for chafing, as it is so frequently wet and soiled; hence all
napkins should be renewed as soon as wet and soiled and the parts always
kept perfectly clean.
What is prickly heat, and how caused? Fine, red pimples appear, caused by
excessive sweating and from irritation of flannel underwear.
How should I treat it? Muslin or linen should be worn next to the skin.
The entire body sponged frequently with vinegar and water (equal parts)
and plenty of starch and boric acid powder used; starch, two parts; boric
acid (one part) should be put on.
The chest should be well covered with soft flannel, the limbs protected,
but not cramped, the abdomen supported by a band, not too tight. The
clothing should be neither too tight nor too loose. No pins should be
used, but all bands should be fastened to the body. The petticoats should
be supported by shoulder straps.
How should a baby be held during dressing? It should lie on the lap until
quite old enough to sit alone. Draw the clothes over the child's feet and
do not slip them over the head.
Why use the band, and how long should it be worn? It protects the abdomen,
but its main use is to support the abdominal walls in very young infants
and thus prevents rupture. The snug flannel band should not be worn more
than four months. Then in healthy infants a knitted band may be used and
worn up to eighteen months. If the baby is thin and the abdominal organs
are not protected by fat, they may be troubled with diarrhea and need
protection. In such condition, the band may be worn until the third year.
Four to six dozen diapers (bird's-eye cotton), two to three shirts (wool),
four flannel skirts, two white skirts (nainsook), two to four night
dresses (outing flannel), six day dresses, two wrappers, six pairs of
socks, four to six flannel bands, two flannel sacks, two shawls or
afghans. The dresses to be worn after the first four or six weeks. Of
course this can be less or more elaborate, according to the conditions and
circumstances of the parents, etc.
What changes should be made in the clothing in summer? The thinnest gauze
flannel undershirts should be worn, the outside garments to be changed for
the changing weather. They should not be kept too hot in the middle of the
day, while in the morning and evening extra wraps should be used.
Are many children too thinly clad in the house? Very few. The usual
mistake is excessive clothing and too warm rooms. These cause them to take
cold so easily.
At night baby may have a warm sponge bath, a fresh band, shirt and skirt
put on. In the winter he should sleep in a flannel nightdress and this can
be made with a drawing string or button on the bottom so that he cannot
expose his feet. In the summer he can wear a cotton night-dress and after
the third month the skirt may be left off in very warm weather. By the
time baby has entered his second month he may wear simple little "Bishop"
dresses instead of his plain slips. At the end of the third month, the
flannel band may be discarded, usually, and a ribbed knitted one used. The
band should be of wool in the winter, and of silk and wool in the summer.
It should be put over the child's feet when he is being dressed each
morning, and be changed for a fresh one at night, if possible. If the
baby is healthy he may begin going out in March, if the days are mild and
there are no stormy cold winds. Begin by letting him stay out one-half
hour during the warmest part of the day, then one hour, etc. When there is
much melting snow he should not be taken out. In cold weather the baby's
cap and cloak should be lined with flannel or lamb's wool. Woolen mittens
should cover his hands. A veil is not necessary.
Cap for Baby's Ears.--If baby's ears stand out from his head a
considerable distance, it can be corrected best when he is young. A
skeleton cap is made for this purpose. This can be bought or the mother
can make one out of thin lawn or pieces of broad tape. It should fit
snugly in order to do any good and be worn for some time.
Drooling.--If the baby drools much he is apt to wet any little bib he may
wear and take cold by having damp clothing next to his throat and chest.
Cut a piece of material now made (Linite, by Johnson & Johnson) in the
shape of a bib, and bind with tape. This can be worn underneath the bib.
Short Clothes About the Fifth Month.--Short clothes should be prepared for
the baby's wear at the beginning of the fifth month, and may consist of a
shirt, knitted band with shoulder straps, flannel skirt made on a cotton
waist, in summer or a flannel one for cold weather, and having a row of
small flat buttons, on to which the white petticoat may be buttoned; a
diaper, and a simple white dress. For summer, white cotton stockings
should always be worn, woolen ones in the winter; and they should be long
enough so that they may be pinned to the diaper. Moccasins or soft kid
shoes should be the first kind worn. At night a baby (in short clothes)
should sleep in a shirt, band, diaper and a night-dress of cotton in
summer, and flannel in winter. The change to short dresses should not be
made in very cold weather; and if the baby is born at such a time as to
make it necessary, he may be put into short clothes as early as the end of
his third or fourth month, rather than to wait until later and make the
change in mid-winter.
Clothing in Summer.--Even in summer, the baby should have clothing which
contains some wool. A mixture of silk and wool or cotton and wool may be
used for the shirt, band and skirt. The band should never be left off; the
shirt may be left off in the hottest weather and the long ribbed band with
shoulder-straps may take its place, but the abdomen must be covered by
means of the band. The nightdress should now be of cotton and the skirt
left off at night, but the band and the thin skirt should be worn. Long,
white cotton stockings reaching to the napkin should be worn all summer,
and not short socks.
The head should be kept cool, therefore do not use a sunbonnet which shuts
out all of the air. Muslin caps and light pique hats provide enough shade,
if the baby-carriage has a parasol.
Creeping aprons can be used for babies. They are made of fine gingham and
may be put over the dress or worn without one in very warm weather. Make
them so as to button all the way down the back, and they sometimes have an
elastic or draw-string run into the hem at the bottom of the apron so that
the white skirts may be kept clean.
For early fall, two or three little jackets of light flannel or cashmere
can be made; and the baby can wear one of these either over or under his
white dress in the morning or evening when it is cool. The baby should be
in the house by six o'clock unless the weather is exceptionally warm. In
the fall, if he has been accustomed to having his nap on the piazza, in
his carriage, a screen should-be placed around the carriage to protect him
from any possible draught. After the first of October, in chilly days, he
should have his nap in the house.
Winter.--A year-old baby in winter should wear a medium weight wool shirt,
knit band with shoulder-straps, a flannel skirt on a flannel waist, white
skirt buttoned on to the waist of the flannel skirt, woolen stockings
pinned to the diaper, laced shoes, a white dress of some cotton material
and for very cold days, a little flannel, or cashmere sack. At night
should be worn a band, shirt, diaper and flannel night-dress long enough
to keep his feet warm. For an outing in the winter he should have on a
light, but warmly lined coat; a wadded lamb's wool lining is best, but it
is expensive, and flannel may be used. His bonnet should be lined with
flannel; and leggings and mittens should be of wool.
First Half of Second Year.--A baby of this age may wear a thin gauze shirt
with short sleeves, but he should wear under it the ribbed silk and wool
band and also his flannel petticoat during the summer. Summer complaint is
often kept off by such clothing.
Second Half of Second Year.--A baby of this age is too young to walk in
the streets in the winter, and his feet cannot be protected from the damp
and cold sidewalks by the usual roomy shoes. When in the go-cart instead
of his carriage, his legs should be well covered, so that dampness and
wind will not chill and give him a cold. A large bag having a draw-string
at the top is an excellent thing to use for the lower part of baby's body
while in the go-cart, and the strings should be drawn up and tied under
his arms. This bag may be made of any material (warm) from eiderdown,
cloth, flannel to felting; or it may simply be made of an old crib blanket
and a small carriage robe placed over it. Baby's ears should be covered at
this age on very cold days, when out. The baby girl should wear a lined
bonnet, well covering her eyes. Tam O'Shanter caps of angora wool can be
made and pulled down over the eyes for both girls and boys alike; or a
soft felt hat with rosettes of ribbon lined with flannel sewed onto the
elastic can be made for the boy to protect the head and ears.
By the time baby is two years old, diapers should be given up and little
drawers used instead. It may be frequently necessary to use diapers at
night for several months longer, although if the baby be taken up at ten
or eleven o'clock p. m. he will frequently go all night without urinating.
Second Half of Third Year.--Now he can walk in the street for a little
while each day, even in winter, having his legs protected by warm leggings
and with small rubbers for his shoes when the walks are at all damp.
Woolen leggings should be used.
What kind of heat is best? An open grate fire is best; next, heat from a
Franklin stove. Steam heat is bad in a nursery. Never use a gas stove
unless for a few minutes during the morning bath.
What should the temperature be during the day? From 66 to 68 degrees with
the thermometer hung three feet above the floor. It should never be
allowed above 70 F. At night, not below 65 F. during the first three
months. After that it may go to 55 F., and after the first year it may go
to 50 and even to 45 F.
How soon can you leave the windows open at night? Usually after the third
month, except when the outside temperature is below the freezing point.
How often should the nursery be aired? At least twice a day, after the
baby has had his bath in the morning and also before putting him to bed
for the night. This ventilation should be done thoroughly and the baby
should be moved to another room. In the meantime, any time the child is
out of the room it should be aired.
How can you ventilate the room at night? During the winter, while the baby
is young, the sleeping room may be ventilated at night by opening a window
in an adjoining room; or if the weather is not very severe, a window board
may be used, or a frame on which has been tacked heavy muslin; this may be
from one to two feet high and put into the window like an ordinary
mosquito screen. In summer, a screen around baby's crib will furnish all
needed protection from the open windows.
How does a room that is kept too warm affect the baby? He becomes pale,
loses his appetite, has some indigestion, gains no weight, perspires very
much and takes cold easily.
How early in baby's life may airing indoors be commenced, and how long
continued? When the baby is one month old. For fifteen minutes at a time
at first and may be lengthened ten to fifteen minutes daily. This airing
may be continued in all kinds of weather.
Will the baby take cold? Not if the period is at first short and the baby
becomes accustomed to it gradually. It is a cold preventive.
How should such an airing be given? The baby should be dressed with bonnet
and tight coat and placed in a crib or carriage which should stand a few
feet from the window; all the windows should be thrown open for baby's
airing. Doors should be closed to prevent draughts.
How soon can baby be taken out of doors? In summer when one week old, with
eyes thoroughly shaded. In spring and fall usually in about one month; in
winter, when about three months old, on pleasant days, and kept in the sun
and out of the wind.
What time of day is best? A baby may go out almost any time in the early
summer and early autumn between 6 A. M. and 7 P. M. In winter and early
spring a young child only between ten or eleven and three.
Can this be done in all kinds of weather? When the winds are sharp and the
ground covered with melting snow, and when it is very cold, the baby
should not go out. If the thermometer is below 32 degrees F., a child
under four month's should not go out. If below 20 degrees F., a baby under
eight month's should not go out.
What care should be taken? The wind should never blow in the baby's face,
its feet and legs should be properly covered and warm and the sun should
never be allowed to shine directly upon its eyes either sleeping or
waking.
Does this outing do the baby any good? The fresh air renews and purifies
the blood, and this is just as necessary for its health and growth as
proper food.
How does it show in the baby? The appetite is good, also the digestion.
The child sleeps better and all signs of health are seen.
Is it better for the baby to be carried by the nurse in this airing? No,
for it can be made more comfortable in its carriage and as well protected
from exposure.
Is there any objection to a baby sleeping out of doors in the daytime? No,
it needs only to be kept warm and out of draughts. A covered inclosed
porch is a good place.
What can be done for a child that takes cold easily? The room should be
kept cool when it sleeps, the clothing should be light so that he will not
perspire so freely. Every morning the chest and back should be sponged
with cold water, 50 to 60 degrees F.
How should such a sponge bath be given? The child should stand in a tub
containing a little warm water, and a large bath sponge filled with cold
water should be squeezed over the body two or three times. Follow this
with vigorous rubbing with a towel until the skin shows quite red. This
may be given at least at three years old. For infants the temperature
should be 65 to 70 degrees F.
How frequently should this be done? During the first six months every
week, and during the last six months at least once in two weeks; once a
month during the second year.
How rapidly should the baby' gain weight during the first year? During the
first week it loses a few ounces, after this it shows a gain of four to
eight ounces a week up to the sixth month, then two to four ounces a week,
up to the twelfth month.
Do bottle-fed infants gain so rapidly? Very seldom during the first month,
but after that with favorable air and circumstances, the gain is quite
regular, and they may gain faster during the latter part of the first
year, because the nursing baby loses weight at weaning time.
Why do they not gain so rapidly at first? Because it takes a few weeks for
the stomach to become accustomed to cow's milk and until this is
accomplished it is necessary that the milk be made very weak or
indigestion will result.
Should a healthy baby gain steadily in weight during the first year? He
usually does, but not regularly in every week during the year. There are
periods when most infants do not gain any weight. This is most often seen
from the seventh to the tenth month and frequently occurs when the child
is teething and sometimes in the very hot weather.
Can the regular gaining in weight guide us as much in the second year? The
gain after the first year is not so continuous; interruptions occur during
change of seasons, sometimes without any apparent cause.
How soon should a child hold its head up? During the fourth, and sometimes
in the third month, as a rule. If the body is supported the head can be
held erect.
How early does a baby notice things? During the second month he shows
pleasure by smiling and will turn his head in the direction of a sound.
They should be kept quiet, or their sleep will be broken.
When does the baby laugh aloud? From the third to the fifth month.
When does it first notice toys, etc.? From the fifth to the seventh month.
At four months he is able to hold his head without support. He begins to
use his hands better. He will often grasp an attractive object; he will
throw it on the floor and expect it to be picked up for him. And also
frequently shows signs of fear at the end of the fourth month, and
strangers will scare him. He can now be played with for a little time
every day, but never before bedtime. The best time is after the morning
nap. Do not toss him about, but be gentle with him or you will make him
nervous and sleepless at night.
How early should a baby be able to sit and stand alone? At seven to eight
months he is usually able to sit erect and support his body. He first
attempts to bear the weight upon his feet at nine to ten months, and at
eleven to twelve months babies can stand without assistance.
Should you urge a child to walk? No; his muscles and bones may not be
ready. He will walk soon enough if able.
How early does a child begin to talk? Generally a child can say papa and
mamma at one year. The end of the second year the average child is able to
put words together in short sentences.
Baby will be sensitive to light, even the first day. Do not allow the sun
to shine in his eyes, or gas or electric light if that must be used. The
baby's skin may change to yellow for a few days, but this soon passes away
and frequently there is scaling. The fine soft hair usually comes out and
is replaced later by a second growth. The open spot on the head should not
be touched. When the head is out of shape or is swollen, this need not
cause worry for it will soon disappear. Mold it a little. Do not allow the
baby to lie in one position, as the soft skull may become flattened or all
the hair rubbed off in one place. The baby sleeps about nine-tenths of the
time, but he should be wakened regularly for his food and kept awake while
taking it. This will soon become a regular habit to him, and he will wake
of his own accord in a short time. Do not allow the baby to fall asleep
nursing at the breast or while taking food in his bottle. He will not get
enough nourishment and will want to nurse too often. Also if he is
bottle-fed the milk is apt to grow cold and cause colic. He should be
taught to nurse slowly and if he tries to nurse too fast the breast or
nipple should be taken away for a minute, and then given again. The baby
should nurse from fifteen to twenty minutes. A certain amount of crying is
necessary for a baby if he is to be strong and healthy. It exercises his
lungs. "Soothing syrup" should never be given to quiet him.
The cry of pain is strong, sharp, but not continuous, often accompanied by
contractions of the features and drawing up of the legs. The cry of hunger
is a continuous, fretful sound, after feeding or sometime before the next
feeding. The cry of temper is loud and strong, accompanied by kicking or
stiffening of the body, and, this should never be given away to from the
first. The cry of a sick child is feeble and whining. Baby should not be
rocked to sleep, nor carried about the room.
Baby's Bed.--As before stated, baby should sleep in his own crib, an iron
or brass crib without rockers is best. A screen or plain white curtain of
some wash material may be used to protect him against draughts. If this
cannot be had, he may sleep while very young in a large clothes basket
placed on two chairs. The crib should have a good woven wire mattress and
a pair of heavy airing blankets should be placed on top of the crib,
folded so as to fit the mattress; a square of rubber or any waterproof
material should come next, then a cotton sheet, a quilted pad, a second
sheet, a pair of wool crib blankets and a light counterpane. This should
be removed at night and a comfortable afghan be used in its place. The
pillow should be of hair, never of feathers or down, about one inch thick.
The bed clothes should be aired thoroughly and the heavy airing blanket be
washed occasionally and thoroughly dried and aired before it is again
used. The blanket can hang on a line out of doors on a bright sunny day
for an hour or two; in this way the blanket will be kept cleaner and will
last comfortably until baby is three years old. The baby should never be
put in a cold bed; warm the sheets before the fire just before putting
baby in his bed (or crib) or place a hot water bag between them until they
are warm. Now (second month) the baby is old enough to use his chair, not
to soil his napkin. Place a small chamber on the mother's lap and hold the
child on it, supporting his head and back. Do this exactly the same hours
every day, morning and afternoon, directly after a meal. This training
should be continued, as the position alone often goes a great way in
helping to over-come constipation or any tendency to irregularity of the
bowels that may exist. They cannot be taught not to wet the napkin until
they are some months older.
[ALL ABOUT BABY 563]
The baby needs water as much as any adult person. Boil a fresh supply
daily and cool and keep it in a covered dish or bottle. A little,--four to
eight teaspoonfuls,--should be offered to the baby between each meal. It
can be given from a spoon, a medicine dropper, or taken from a nursing
bottle, and either hot or cold. This aids in overcoming constipation and
teaches a breast-fed baby to use a nursing bottle, which will be of much
benefit should sudden weaning be necessary.
During the second month his meals should be given every two and one-half
hours during the day, having eight meals in twenty-four hours of three to
four ounces at each meal. At night he should be fed at ten and two.
Meals for the Third Month.--Baby should be regularly nursed or fed every
three hours up to ten p. m. Then have one meal at two or three a. m., and
nothing more until seven a. m. If bottle fed he should be given three and
one-half to four ounces at each feeding.
Fourth Month.--If the mother is nursing her baby, it is a good plan now to
teach him how to use the bottle. Some doctors advise one bottle feeding
each day from the start, for, should the mother's milk suddenly fail, or
should she be obliged to stop nursing for any reason, there will be no
struggle, which would be very hard for the baby if it happened in hot
weather. Also the gradual accustoming of the digestive organs to the cow's
milk before weaning must be commenced and does away in some degree, at
least, with the danger from indigestion from the cow's milk given
regularly.
Sixth Month.--The baby sleeps about two-thirds of the time. He shows signs
of increasing intelligence. The baby should now accustom itself to taking
either condensed milk or only the best prepared foods once or twice daily.
The mother may become ill or unable to nurse for some reason, or wish to
take a journey, etc., and baby is then prepared for emergencies.
When the baby is seven months old he will need more exercise than a
clothes basket will afford. An exercise pen should be made.
Teeth.--As soon as the teeth come they should be kept clean, otherwise
they will decay, milk is likely to remain in the mouth, turn sour and
gradually destroy the enamel of the teeth.
Mosquito Bites.--If baby is bitten by mosquitoes wash the spot off with a
little camphor water, soda water, or a wet compress of witch-hazel should
be kept on the bite or boracic acid or soda solution. Keep the baby from
scratching the part by fixing his hands; scratching will further poison
the part.
Flies.--They often carry germs of disease on their legs and wings, and
they frequently light on baby's mouth or on the nipple of the nursing
bottle. Diseases can be contracted in this way. The windows should be
screened. Everything that the fly has touched should be washed with some
light antiseptic solution.
Tenth Month.--He can now take a little beef juice, beginning with one
teaspoonful once a day and soon twice a day; then increase to two
teaspoonfuls at a time and keep on until he is taking eight teaspoonfuls
daily.
This should be given between his regular meals. Some babies cannot take
beef juice; orange juice may then be tried, strained through cheesecloth
or fine muslin and be given at first in doses of one teaspoonful and
increased until baby gets the juice of one-half an orange.
If the mother is nursing baby and he has been given one bottle of milk
daily, as advised for a four-months-old babe, he can now have two bottle
feedings daily. Every healthy baby should be weaned when one year old, and
it is better to do it gradually in this way. The baby's food should now be
given him every three and one-half hours up to ten p. m., thus making five
meals in twenty-four hours of seven to eight ounces at each meal.
Eleventh Month.--Baby can now have added to his diet another cereal like
farina well cooked,--twice as long as the directions advise and it should
be half solid when finished. Begin with one teaspoonful and then try two.
This should be given in addition to his beef juice or orange juice. It
should come between his regular meals, which should now be given at
four-hour intervals. He should take eight or nine ounces to a meal.
Twelfth Month.--Baby should go to bed at six p. m., and take long morning
nap. He should have five meals a day of such food as directed later.
INFANTS' FEEDING.
What is the composition of mothers' milk? About thirteen parts solids and
eighty-seven parts water.
What are the proteids? The curd of the milk, which is very similar to the
white of an egg, and is the muscle making element in the milk.
What benefit is the fat? It is needed for the growth of the bones, nerves,
fat of the body and also for producing heat.
Give the use of sugar? It is needed to produce heat and make fat in the
body.
Use of the proteids? They are needed for the growth of the cells of the
body, such as those of the blood, the various organs of the muscles.
What is the use of water? Water keeps the food minutely subdivided or in
solution, so that the infant's delicate organs can digest it. It also
enables the body to get rid of the waste material.
NURSING.
What are the most important conditions that may prevent nursing?
Tuberculosis now or in the past or, in fact, any other serious chronic
diseases; very delicate health herself. Some acute disease like typhoid
fever or cancer.
How soon after labor should the baby be put to the breast? As soon as the
mother is able to have it.
If the mother cannot nurse immediately after labor, what should you feed
baby? The baby will not starve in a few days. Give it warm water regularly
every few hours, or a little cream and warm water.
What should be done in that case? Draw the milk from the breast and feed
it through a free flowing nursing bottle. Such babies are generally born
prematurely.
Are the mother's nipples ever at fault? Yes, they are; poorly developed,
retracted, that the baby's tongue cannot surround it to draw upon it.
What can be done for them? They should be drawn out, and sometimes a breast
pump is needed for this.
Should the nipples be treated after nursing? They should be dried and
clean clothing put against them. Some recommend washing them with a mild
solution of boric acid.
What can be done for this? The nipples should be drawn out before
confinement; if neglected use the following: Compound tincture of benzoin
one-half ounce. After each nursing wash them clean with warm water or
water and a little alcohol and after drying them, put on the tincture of
benzoin with a camel's hair brush. It will not hurt the baby.
What can be done with cracked nipples? Apply benzoin as before directed,
and use a glass or rubber nipple shield until it gets well.
How can caked breasts be prevented? The breasts should be kept emptied and
well protected, both while nursing and during the intervals. Empty with a
breast pump if necessary.
If mother's clothes are wet by the excess milk, what can she do? Use a
breast-pump and drink and eat less fluid; eat more solid.
If the breast contains pus, what can be done? Nurse at the other breast,
but if both breasts are affected it must stop breast nursing.
When will the mother be able to nurse again? It is hard to tell. If the
child is six months old the child should be weaned if the mother is
seriously ill, and children with delicate stomachs should always be
weaned, when the mother is sick.
If the mother has not enough nurse, what can be done?--Nurse partly and
feed it the rest.
Can the milk secretion be increased? Yes, by regulating the mother's diet.
She should drink freely of good cow's milk and have an occasional bowl of
gruel, soup, etc.
How long can you wait to see if the mother can have milk? It is well to
wait several days, nurse all there is and supply the deficiency by bottle
feeding.
How often should the baby nurse at first, and how long? Every four or five
hours for the first few days--usually nurses fifteen to twenty minutes;
one night nursing.
How often should the baby be nursed afterward? After the third day every
two hours and twice at night.
How often during the rest of the year? For two to three months every two
to two and one-half hours during the day, two times at night; three to
five months about every three hours up to ten p. m.; and one time at
night; five to twelve months every three to three and one-half or four
hours and not at night.
Is it necessary as a rule to give additional food the first few days? No;
give plenty of water.
What should a nursing mother eat? Her diet should be simple and plentiful,
and lots of fluids; she should have three regular meals a day, and gruel,
cocoa, or milk at bedtime and sometimes between meals. She can use
cereals, most soups, most vegetables; avoid sour tart fruits, salads,
pastry, and desserts. She may eat egg, meats once or twice daily, but in
most cases but once. Tea and coffee if taken should be very weak, and
ordinarily no wine or beer.
Are fruits eaten by the mother likely to injure baby? Sour fruits do in
some cases, but sweet fruits and most fruits that are cooked do not, and
are useful for the bowels.
Should the mother take special care of herself? Yes, she should lead a
simple, natural, happy life, with outdoor exercise, as soon as possible
after the confinement. She should make her bowels move daily by food and
habit; she should not worry, should sleep plenty and should nap for an
hour during the middle of the day.
Will the milk of the mother be affected by nervousness? Yes, more so than
by her diet; worry, anxiety, fatigue, loss of sleep, household duties,
society functions, have an injurious effect upon the child. Mother's
grief, excitement, anger, passion, act upon the child through the milk.
How does the return of the menstruation affect the milk? The quantity is
lessened, the infant is not satisfied. Sometimes the quality is affected
and the child may suffer from restlessness, colic, and acute indigestion.
Should regular menstruation prohibit nursing? Not always; as a rule both
functions do not go together. If the child thrives, it can keep on
nursing, although it might be well to feed the infant, at least partly,
during the period.
How can you determine that the baby is well nourished? Good color, sleep
for two hours after nursing, is quiet, good-natured and comfortable when
awake; has normal bowel movements, three stools daily and gains gradually
in weight.
How can you tell when a baby is poorly nourished? It neither gains nor
loses weight; it is listless, tired, indifferent, cross, fretful,
irritable and sleeps poorly. It looks pale, anemic, and it becomes soft
and flabby. If the milk is scanty, it nurses long; at other times it tries
the breast and turns away seemingly disgusted.
What should be done? This depends upon the conditions; should the child
gain nothing for three or four weeks or lose weight, immediate weaning may
be necessary; at least other food must be given in addition to the breast
food. Feeding may be alternated with the breast nursing.
How do the symptoms show when the mother's milk disagrees? The child, is
in constant discomfort; it sleeps little, is restless, cries much, gulps
up gas, passes it by the bowels, or it accumulates in the bowels causing
colic. There may be vomiting, but more often bowel trouble. The bowels may
be constipated but usually there is diarrhea--frequent, loose, green,
with mucus and gas.
What should you do in such a case? If the child does not gain or loses
weight and there is little chance of improvement in the mother's milk, the
child should be weaned immediately. If the child gains in weight, try a
little longer to improve the mother's milk.
Why do some babies nurse so often? The milk does not satisfy.
When the baby has thrush, should the mother take special care of the
breasts? Yes, they should be cleaned after every nursing.
How much does the baby's stomach hold at birth? Six to seven teaspoonfuls.
What can be done? Reduce the quantity, or do not let it nurse so long or
so often. If vomiting takes place a half hour after feeding, in sour
swelling masses, it may be getting food too rich in cream, and then the
time between nursings should be lengthened; or dilute the breast milk by
giving one to two teaspoonfuls of plain boiled water, barley water, five
or ten minutes before nursing; the mother should eat less hearty food,
especially of meat.
If baby has frequent colic, what is the cause? The milk has too much
proteids.
What should be done? Eat less meat, keep quiet, and happy, do not worry,
etc.
How many stools does a healthy baby have daily? About two.
If a nursing baby has too many stools, what change should be made in the
mother's diet? She should eat food that would cause costive bowels in her.
They are caused by the mother eating improper food. If the stools are very
yellow, foul, greasy or ropy the mother is eating food that produces too
much fat (cream) in her milk. If curds appear there is not enough fat, and
too much of the proteids (skim milk). When the stools are very green with
much mucus in them, the food should be reduced.
If a nursing baby has frequent colic attacks, what should be done? The
food is probably too strong. The mother should eat food that will produce
less fat (cream) in her milk. The baby can be nursed at longer periods for
a time; or give an ounce of hot water just before nursing. The mother
should take plenty of exercise, enough sleep and have a free movement of
her bowels, so as to keep well and free from nervousness.
WEANING.
When and how should this be done? This may usually be begun at nine or ten
months by substituting one feeding a day for one nursing. Later two
feedings, etc., until weaning is gradually accomplished. Some advise one
bottle feeding regularly each day much earlier, as before stated.
Give reasons for weaning earlier? Some serious illness of the mother,
pregnancy, but the main reasons usually are that the child is not
thriving.
Is there any danger in nursing longer? Yes, as the milk is scanty; the
child may get rickets or anemia.
Should a wet nurse be preferred to bottle feeding? Yes, if you are sure
you can get a good and perfectly healthy wet nurse. Her habits, etc., must
be unobjectionable--she should be chosen by a physician.
When should a "weaned" child use the bottle, and when the cup? If the
weaning is done at the eighth or ninth month the bottle should be used; if
weaning is done from the tenth to the eleventh month, the baby should be
taught to drink or be fed with a spoon.
How soon should a child stop nursing from a bottle? If the child is well
this should be begun at the end of the first year, and after it is
fourteen months old, it should not have the bottle except at the night
feeding.
Can you give a baby just weaned as strong cows' milk as one of the same
age who has been fed upon cows' milk from birth? Not generally; it would
be almost certain to cause indigestion. You must remember that the change
in food is a great one, and the feeding should be begun with a weak milk
and increased gradually in strength as the baby becomes accustomed to the
cows' milk.
What are the proper proportions for an infant weaned at four or five
months? About the same as that given to a healthy bottle-fed baby of two
months, except the quantity should be larger. The food can be gradually
increased, in most cases, so that by the end of two or three weeks the
usual strength can be given.
What strength is given to a bottle-fed baby of two months? From the top of
a quart bottle of pure milk, that has stood from three to six hours, skim
carefully off the top six ounces and then pour off three ounces of milk
and mix them with the top milk (first skimmed off) making nine ounces in
all; add to this nine ounces twenty-four ounces of boiled water in which
you should have dissolved four teaspoonfuls of granulated sugar, or six or
seven teaspoonfuls of milk sugar; add a pinch of salt and a pinch of
bicarbonate of soda, or else two ounces of lime water.
Give the proper proportion for a baby who is weaned at nine or ten months?
About the same as for a bottle-fed baby of four or five months. The
increase to be as above given.
What is the formula for a bottle-fed baby of four months? For a healthy
baby, six ounces of top milk skimmed from the top of a quart bottle of
milk, six ounces of milk, then poured off, twenty-four ounces of barley or
oatmeal gruel, six teaspoonfuls of milk sugar or three of granulated
sugar, a pinch of salt and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda or if lime-water
is used instead take one ounce of lime-water to each twenty of the milk or
gruel. He should have four ounces of this mixture every three hours up to
ten p. m., and then one meal at about two a. m.; none until six or seven
a. m.
Will a child lose weight when placed upon this diet? It will often do so
for a week or more, but he will soon gain gradually and regularly.
Formula of food.--For the first month: skim off carefully the top six
ounces from a quart bottle of pure milk, add to this twenty-four ounces of
boiled water, in which water three teaspoonfuls of granulated or six
teaspoonfuls of milk sugar have been dissolved, and then add a pinch of
soda, or else one and one-half ounces of lime-water. Mix all these
ingredients thoroughly, and then pour the correct quantity into each of
ten clean nursing bottles. Tightly cork these bottles with clean cotton,
and they can all be pasteurized or heated to a temperature of 155 degrees
F. (Some say higher).
What strength is given to a bottle-fed baby of two months? From the top of
a quart bottle of pure milk that has stood from three to six to eight
hours, skim carefully off the top six ounces and then pour off three
ounces of milk and mix them with the top milk (first skimmed off) making
nine ounces in all; add to the nine ounces, twenty-four ounces of boiled
water in which you should have dissolved four teaspoonfuls of granulated
sugar, or six or seven teaspoonfuls of milk sugar; add a pinch of salt and
a pinch of bicarbonate of soda, or two ounces of lime-water.
Formula for the third month.--(This is often used), Carefully skim off the
top six ounces from a quart bottle of pure milk, then pour off six ounces
of milk, twelve ounces in all, and now add twelve ounces of boiled water
in which three teaspoonfuls of granulated or six of milk sugar have been
dissolved, with a pinch of soda or else two ounces of lime-water; add then
twelve ounces of barley or oatmeal gruel, divide into eight bottles,
pasteurize, etc.; cool quickly and place where the temperature is 50
degrees F., until meal time, when one of the bottles should be warmed by
placing it in warm water. Pour a little out in a spoon to test the warmth,
etc.; when the milk is lukewarm remove the cotton cork and attach the
rubber nipple. He should be fed regularly and equally every three hours up
to ten p. m., then have one at two or three a. m., and nothing until seven
a. m. He should get three and one-half to four ounces at each meal, so
that much should be put in each bottle.
What is the formula for a bottle-fed baby of four months? For a healthy
baby, six ounces of top milk skimmed from the top of a quart bottle of
milk, six ounces of milk then poured off, twenty-four ounces of barley or
oatmeal gruel, six teaspoonfuls of milk sugar or three of granulated
sugar, a pinch of salt and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda; or if
lime-water is used instead, take one ounce of lime-water to each twenty of
the milk and gruel. He should have four or five ounces of this mixture
every three hours up to 10 p. m., then one meal at about 2 a. m. None
until 6 or 7 a. m.
Will a child lose weight when placed upon this diet? It will often do so
for a week or more, but he will soon gain gradually and regularly.
Formula for the fifth month.--Skim off the top six ounces as before, then
pour off nine ounces of milk and mix it with the top-milk, add twenty-four
ounces of barley or oatmeal gruel, a pinch of salt, four teaspoonfuls of
granulated or seven of milk sugar, a pinch of bicarbonate of soda and
proceed as before. He should be fed every three hours during the day until
10 p. m. Give five to six and one-half ounces at each meal, making six
meals in the whole twenty-four hours.
Formula for sixth month.--Six ounces of the top-milk skimmed off from a
quart of pure milk, ten ounces of milk then poured off. Twenty-four ounces
of barley or oatmeal gruel, in which has been thoroughly dissolved four
teaspoonfuls of granulated or seven of milk sugar, a pinch of bicarbonate
of soda, and a pinch of salt. Pasteurized as before, etc. Give baby from
four to six ounces at each meal every three hours up to 9 or 10 p. m. If
the day is exceedingly warm, pour out one or even two ounces from each
bottle of the regular mixture and substitute boiled water for it. If the
baby is inclined to vomit, it will be better during the hot weather to use
less of the top milk, four, or five ounces instead of six or eight, and
add so much more gruel. Barley gruel is better than oatmeal gruel unless
baby is constipated. Again if the baby has delicate digestive organs, one
meal each day during the very hot weather, can be made of mutton broth
prepared as follows: Cut up one pound of neck of mutton, one pint of cold
water and a pinch of salt; this is cooked very slowly for three hours
until half a pint is left, adding a little water from time to time as it
boils away; strain through muslin and allow to cool, and when cool take
off all of the fat. Add this to an equal quantity of barley water and feed
lukewarm to the baby from the nursing bottle. These measures may ward off
summer complaint and assist in teething.
Formula for the seventh month.--From a quart of pure milk carefully skim
off the top six ounces, pour off fifteen ounces of the milk and add
twenty-one ounces of barley or oatmeal gruel to which has been added
dissolved four teaspoonfuls of granulated or seven of milk sugar, a pinch
of bicarbonate of soda. Give six or seven ounces at each meal and six
meals in twenty-four hours.
Formula for the ninth month.--Use six ounces of top-milk skimmed off as
before, twenty ounces of milk poured off, twenty-two ounces of either
barley or oatmeal gruel, a pinch of bicarbonate of soda and salt added to
the gruel, and five teaspoonfuls of granulated or eight of milk sugar
dissolved in boiled water and put in the gruel. Give seven or eight ounces
of this every three hours up to 10 p. m.
Formula for tenth month.--The milk in a quart bottle is stirred and thirty
ounces of this is taken and twenty ounces of either barley or oatmeal
gruel is added to it, to which three teaspoonfuls of granulated or seven
of milk sugar, a pinch of salt and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda have
been added. Feed the child every three and a half hours up to 10 p. m.,
making five meals in twenty-four hours, and seven to eight ounces at each
meal.
Formula for twelfth month.--Stir up the entire quart of milk; add eleven
ounces of gruel, one tablespoonful of granulated or two of milk sugar, a
pinch of salt and bicarbonate of soda. The child should now have five
regular meals daily, arranged about as follows: Six a. m., nine ounces of
this modified milk; 8 a. m., teaspoonful of prune jelly or strained juice
of an orange; 10 a. m., seven ounces of the modified milk and two
tablespoonfuls of a well cooked cereal; 2 p. m., five ounces of beef juice
or six ounces of mutton or chicken broth, or else a coddled egg (alternate
on different days), five or six ounces of modified milk and a small piece
of zwieback; 6 p. m., nine ounces of modified milk; 10 p. m., ten ounces
of modified milk.
How is barley gruel made? Rub up one teaspoonful of the flour with a
little cold water, and then stir this into a pint of boiling water, add a
pinch of salt and boil it fifteen minutes, strain if it is at all lumpy.
How is oatmeal gruel made? In the same way, but use two teaspoonfuls of
the flour.
SPECIAL RULES OF FEEDING AND NURSING FOR EACH
MONTH IN CONNECTION WITH THE FORMULA GIVEN.
How can milk be pasteurized? A regular pasteurizer can be bought for three
dollars; or the bottles, ten or less, can be placed in a pot partly filled
with water which is rapidly brought to the boiling point about 155 degrees
F. These bottles are filled with each regular feeding before being put in
the water. The milk should not boil. Then remove the pot from the fire and
allow the bottles to stand in it for one-half hour, then take them out and
cool them as quickly as possible by allowing first warm and then cold
water to run over the outside of the bottles; when they are cold, place
them on ice or where the temperature is about 50 degrees F., and keep them
until meal-time. Then one of the bottles is placed in warm water until the
milk is lukewarm, the cork can then be removed and the nipple applied.
These ten bottles were equally filled with the modified milk as prepared
under the formula for the first month.
How much modified milk should be placed in each bottle? For the first week
of life one to two and one-half ounces are placed in each of the ten
bottles, and two or three and one-half ounces for the last two weeks of
the first month.
What should be done if the baby vomits or has curds in his stools? Use a
little less cream and a little more water. Remember, two tablespoonfuls
equal one ounce.
What kind of bottles should be used? Round cylindrical bottles with the
ounces marked on them.
How should the bottle be treated when emptied? Rinse it out with cold
water and then allow it to stand full of cold water with a pinch of soda
or borax in it.
How should the bottles be prepared before the food for the whole day is
put in them and pasteurized, etc.? They should be thoroughly rinsed in hot
soap suds, and then rinsed and boiled in clear water for ten minutes.
What about the nipples? Rinse them first in cold then in hot water and
allow them to stand in a covered cup of boric acid solution or borax water
solution one teaspoonful to a pint of water. Once or twice each day they
should be turned inside out and scrubbed with a brush and water. The hole
in the nipple should be only large enough for a rather coarse needle to go
through. The hole in the nipple can be made by such a needle heated red
hot and then run through the nipple.
When can you begin to add barley and oatmeal gruel to the baby's milk? In
the third month. The gruel should be made daily. If the child is not
constipated use barley gruel; if constipated use the oatmeal gruel.
If you cannot get the flour, how can you prepare the gruel from the grain?
Take two teaspoonfuls of barley or three of oatmeal and allow it to soak
over night in cold water; add one quart of cold water the next morning and
boil steadily down to a pint, (for about four hours), then strain through
muslin.
Do some physicians advise feeding nursing babies one or two meals daily,
beginning the fourth month? Yes.
What strength should it be? Use the formula for bottle-fed babies of the
first month and the same amounts.
How can you calculate the amount necessary? Take one-eighth or one-fourth
either for one or two meals daily of the separate ingredients mentioned in
the formula for the first month.
Following order may be as follows: First give baby three ounces of the
formula, and if all goes well in a day or two give him three and one-half
ounces and miss one meal at the breast. After one week if the baby is well
suited, give him three ounces of the formula for the two-months-old baby;
wait a few days, then give him four ounces of this formula at the one
meal. Then in a week's time if all goes well, give him four ounces of the
formula for the three month's baby. Use this for one week, and then give
him four and one-half ounces of the same formula. If after another week is
past, there are no signs of indigestion, give him four ounces of the
four-month formula, and if he enjoys this very much wait for a day or two
and then increase the amount to four and one-half ounces of the same
formula, and then to five ounces; as he grows older give him of the same
formula as the bottle-fed infant of the same age, and the same amount at
the one feeding; if he vomits or has curds in his stools or colic keep him
on a weak formula longer than formerly advised.
If you have fed a breast-fed baby one meal a day from the bottle when can
he be given two feedings from the bottle? During the tenth month.
COWS' MILK.--Does cows' milk contain all the elements present in the
mother's milk? Yes, but in different proportions.
Why not use prepared foods? They are not thought so good, and are more
likely to produce poor nutrition.
What is, the difference between cows' milk and mothers' milk? Cows' milk
contains nearly three times as much casein (curd) or cheesy matter, and
only about one-half as much sugar.
What kind of cows should be selected? They should be healthy and the milk
should be clear and fresh.
Is it best to select Jersey cows? The milk from Jersey and Alderney cows
is generally too rich; common grade cows are best.
Should the milk be from one cow? It should be from the mixed or herd milk
since that varies little from day to day.
How fresh should the milk be? In winter it should not be used after it is
forty-eight hours old; in summer not after it is twenty-four hours old,
and sometimes it is unsafe in a shorter time.
How should the milk be cared for at the dairies? It must be kept clean and
free from being contaminated. Cows, milkers and stables must all be kept
clean, and the milk must be carried in sealed bottles; those that handle
the milk must not be near a contagious disease; all milk pails, bottles,
cans, etc., used for the milk must be steamed and boiled before being
used.
Should it be immediately cooled after leaving the cows? Yes, and kept at a
temperature of about 50 degrees F.
How should the family care for it after it is delivered fresh from the
cows? Strain it for infants through a thick layer of absorbent cotton or
through several thicknesses of cheese-cloth into quart jars or milk
bottles, covered and cooled immediately. This is best done by placing the
bottles in ice water or cool spring water that comes up to their necks and
allow them to remain there at least one-half hour. What you wish to use
for the children who drink plain milk you may pour into one-half pint
bottles, and these should be placed in an ice chest or in the coolest
possible place. The first rapid cooling is very important and adds greatly
to the keeping qualities of the milk, for the milk loses its heat quickly
when cooled in water, but very slowly when it is simply placed in a cold
room. After standing for four or five hours or longer, the top milk can be
strained off; the cream may be removed after waiting twelve to sixteen
hours.
How should milk and cream be cared for by the family when purchased in
bulk? This milk should never be used for infants, as it is liable to be
contaminated. Both cream and milk should at once be poured into vessels,
covered and kept in a cool place. There will not be much cream or top milk
upon such milk.
Is this a matter of great moment? Yes, for very few infants can digest
cows' milk unmodified.
What is this changed milk called? Modified milk; and the original milk is
known as "plain milk," "whole milk," "straight milk" or "milk."
State the principal differences between cows' milk and mothers' milk?
Cows' milk contains a little more than half as much sugar. It contains
nearly three times as much proteids (curds) and salts, and the proteids
are different and much harder to digest. The reaction is decidedly acid,
while the mother's milk is faintly acid or neutral.
How much lime-water should be used? About one ounce to twenty ounces of
food.
How much bicarbonate of soda? About twenty grains to twenty ounces of food.
How can the sugar be increased? By adding milk or granulated sugar to the
cows' milk.
How much milk sugar is added to twenty ounces of food? About one ounce
will do for the first three or four months. This makes it between six and
seven per cent sugar.
How should you prepare the sugar? Dissolve it in boiled water and strain
if there is a deposit after standing, by pouring it through a layer of
absorbent cotton one-half inch thick placed in an ordinary funnel.
Is not granulated (cane) sugar recommended also? Yes; but all infants
cannot use it. It is cheaper, but a good article of milk sugar should be
bought. It costs from twenty to sixty cents per pound. The cheap variety
contains many impurities.
But if cane sugar is used, how much is needed? Usually about one-half or a
little over one-half as much as milk sugar, or about one half ounce to
twenty ounces of food.
What occurs if too much is used? The sugar is likely to ferment in baby's
stomach and cause colic. The milk is made too sweet.
Unless the amount of sugar is now reduced, what occurs? There follow
frequently watery, splashy stools with much gas and foul odors.
Is cane or granulated sugar safe to use after six months? It does not
usually produce so much trouble later on.
As a rule should milk sugar be preferred the first six months? Yes.
Is sugar added to sweeten and make the milk palatable? No; although it
does that, its use is to furnish one of the needed elements for the growth
of the baby, and it is required by young infants in the largest quantity.
How do we know that this is true? Because in good mothers' milk the amount
of sugar is greater than that of the fat, proteids, and salts combined.
As cows' milk has nearly three times as much proteids (curds) and salts as
mothers' milk, how can these be diminished? By diluting the cows' milk.
How much should cow's milk be diluted for a very young infant? Diluted
twice will give almost the same proportion of proteids present as in
mothers' milk, but as the proteids of cows' milk are so much harder for
the infant to digest, the milk should, in the beginning, be diluted five
or six times for most infants.
Does the diluted cows' milk with lime-water and sugar added resemble
mothers' milk? No; for this mixture does not contain enough fat.
How can this be remedied? By increasing the fat in the milk before it is
diluted.
Are these strengths used for infant feeding? Yes, they are most used.
What increases the percentage of fat in the top-milk? 1. The longer time
it stands. 2. Manner of its removal. 3. Number of ounces removed. 4.
Thickness of the milk used.
When is top-milk removed? If milk is fresh from the cow or before the
cream has risen, is bottled and rapidly cooled, it may be removed in four
hours. It does not make much difference in bottled milk, and it may stand
much longer.
How should top-milk be removed? Skim carefully off with a spoon, or cream-
dipper (specially prepared) holding one ounce. It may be taken off with a
glass or rubber syphon, never pour it off.
How can ten per cent top-milk be obtained from the different kinds of
cow's milk? From rather poor milk (three to three and one half per cent
fat) remove the upper eight ounces from a quart.
How can it be obtained from good average milk (four per cent fat?) Remove
the upper eleven ounces or one-third.
From rich Jersey milk (five and five one-half per cent fat)? By removing
sixteen ounces or upper one-half from the quart.
How is seven per cent top-milk obtained? 1. By removing the upper eleven
ounces or one-third of a quart from poor milk. 2. By removing the upper
half from average milk. 3. By removing two-thirds or about twenty-two
ounces from rich Jersey milk. As stated before the seven per cent and ten
per cent are the two kinds generally used.
How can we prevent this? By adding some bland and nonirritating substance
to the milk which will mingle with the particles of curd and separate them
until the gastric juice can act upon each separate particle and digest it.
What can we use for this purpose? Barley or oatmeal water or gruel is
best.
What is cream? It is the part of the milk containing the most fat.
How is cream now obtained? By skimming after it has stood for twenty-four
hours, "gravity cream"; by a separator, and it is then known as
"centrifugal cream"; (most of the cream now sold in cities is "centrifugal
cream").
How much fat has the usual "gravity cream?" Sixteen to twenty per cent.
How much fat is contained in cream removed from the upper one fifth of a
bottle of milk? About sixteen per cent.
How much does the usual centrifugal cream contain? Eighteen to twenty per
cent fat.
How much does the heavy centrifugal cream contain? Thirty-five to forty
per cent fat.
Should the milk be boiled for babies in the summer time? No, not usually.
These directions, etc., are for healthy infants. Directions for such as
are suffering from digestive disturbances will be given later. I have in
preceding pages given formulas for feeding children. I give these
additional, because not all children can be fed the same way and it may be
well to have the two sets of formulas.
What important parts are to be remembered when we are modifying cow's milk
for the early month's feeding? That sugar is the most easily digested, fat
comes next, while the proteids (curd) are the most difficult.
What relation should the fat and proteids bear to each other during the
earlier periods? Usually in healthy infants the fat (cream) should be
three times the proteids (curds). Some healthy infants do not digest fat
so well and they should have only twice as much fat as proteids
(curds--skim-milk).
What per cent milk must be used to obtain three times as much fat as
proteids?
Ten per cent milk.
How can we obtain ten per cent milk? As top milk, described on another
page, or by using plain milk and ordinary cream (sixteen per cent), in
equal parts mixed; or it may be obtained directly from the milk
laboratories.
Which is better to do, use the top-milk or mix plain milk and ordinary
cream? If the milk is fresh from the cows, it is best then to use the
top-milk, because the food can then be made up after it is only a few
hours old.
If one uses bottled milk, in cities, the upper third may be used, but if
milk and cream are bought separately it is usually more convenient to mix
these, as cream will not rise uniformly upon the milk a second time.
What per cent milk must be used to obtain twice as much fat as proteids?
Use for dilution a seven per cent milk, that is, milk containing seven per
cent fat, as in this milk the fat is just twice the proteids.
How is this obtained? Same as top-milk, described on another page; or by
mixing three parts of plain milk and one part of ordinary cream (sixteen
per cent), or by obtaining it directly from the milk laboratories.
How should we prepare the food for the early months? Granted you make up
twenty ounces at a time, first obtain the ten per cent, or seven per cent,
milk to be used, then take the number of ounces of this called for in the
formula desired. One must remember that to make twenty ounces of food one
ounce of milk sugar (or three even tablespoonfuls) and one ounce of
lime-water must be used. The rest of the food is boiled water and the per
cent milk.
FIRST SERIES--Five formulas for early months for ten per cent milk:
Formulas. 1 2 3 4 5
10 per cent milk 2 oz. 3 oz. 4 oz. 5 oz. 6 oz.
*Milk Sugar 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz.
Lime-water 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz.
Boiled water 17 oz. 16 oz. 15 oz. 14 oz. 13 oz.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz.
How can we strengthen this food? By gradually increasing the milk (top
milk) and decreasing the amount of water.
SECOND SERIES--Of five formulas for the early months from the seven per
cent milk. This is weaker in fat (cream), etc., about one-third:
Formulas. 1 2 3 4 5
7 per cent, milk 2 oz. 3 oz. 4 oz. 5 oz. 6 oz.
Milk Sugar 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz.
Lime-water 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz.
Boiled water 17 oz. 16 oz. 15 oz. 14 oz. 13 oz.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Food 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz.
How can I decide which series of formulas to use? A strong child with good
digestion can be given from the first series, ten per cent milk.
A smaller, weaker child, and whose digestion is not so good, or with one
who has tried the first series and did not do well, should use the second
series of formulas.
What is the reason the food is made so weak at first? The infant's stomach
is made to digest mother's milk, not cows' milk, so we must begin with
weak cows' milk, and the infant's stomach can thus be trained to digest
it. Strong milk would be very liable to seriously upset the child's
digestion.
How rapidly can I increase the food in strength, that is, go from formula
1 to 2, 3, 4, and 5, of either series? This can not be told, absolutely.
It depends upon the infant, how it bears the food. Usually you can begin
on formula one on the second day, formula two on the fourth day; three,
after seven or ten days, but after that make the increase slower. If the
infant is large, strong and of good digestion, he may be able to take of
formula five by the time he is three or four weeks old. A weak child, or
one with feeble digestion must go much slower, and such an one may not
reach formula five until it is three or four months old. Mothers should
remember it is safer to increase the strength of the food very gradually;
some infants should have an increase of only one-half ounce instead of one
ounce; thus: three to three and one-half ounces, etc. Two or three days
should be allowed at least between each increase of food.
May I not go by a general rule in increasing the food? Yes, increase the
food when the infant is not satisfied, but is digesting well.
How does an infant show this? He drains the bottle hungrily and cries when
it is taken away. He may begin to fret a half hour or so before the time
for the next feeding. He often sucks his fingers immediately after
feeding.
For example, 25 ounces of food would call for--2-1/2 ounces of milk; 1-1/4
ounces of milk sugar; 1-1/4 ounces of lime-water; 21-1/4 ounces of boiled
water.
How much more should be made at one time? Five ounces may be made, but the
first few days only two or three ounces of the additional should be given;
four ounces the next two days, and after two days more may give the five
ounces additional that has been made; that is, twenty-five ounces in all.
How much increase can be given at each feeding? Not more than one-quarter
of an ounce.
How long shall I continue this proportion, that is, the fat three times
the proteids (curd)--skim-milk? Usually for three or four months.
What changes shall I then make in the food? After you are using formula
five of the first series; that is, six ounces of the ten per cent milk in
twenty ounces of milk, increase the fat slowly, for the proportion of fat
(three per cent), is near the limit for healthy children.
How can I do this? Use the formulas derived from the seven per cent milk
and discontinue the ten per cent milk.
THIRD SERIES.--Five formulas for seven per cent milk for the later months--
Formulas. 1 2 3 4 5
7 per cent milk 7 oz. 8 oz. 9 oz. 10 oz. 11 oz.
*Milk Sugar 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 3/4 oz. 1/2 oz.
Lime-water 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz.
Boiled water 12 oz. 11 oz. 10 oz. 4 oz. 3 oz.
Barley Gruel 0 oz. 0 oz. 0 oz. 5 oz. 5 oz.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz.
*(As the milk sugar is dissolved in the boiled water the quantity is
twenty ounces instead of twenty-one.) Oatmeal gruel can be substituted for
barley gruel if there is constipation. To increase the food to
twenty-five, thirty, or thirty-five ounces increase the milk ingredients
by 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and for forty ounces using two times as much.
How shall I increase the food during this period? Beginning with formula
one of this series, which should usually follow five of the first or
second series, you can usually make the increase in ten days to No. 2; in
two weeks you can use No. 3; but proceed more slowly to four or five when
you have reached them. The same formula may be continued sometimes for
three or four months with no other change, except an increase in the
quantity of the food, that is from twenty ounces to twenty-five, etc.
How much increase of fat is there from the fifth formula of the second
series to the first formula of the third series? From 2.00 to 2.50 per
cent.
Can the first decrease be avoided? Yes, by taking off at first the upper
thirteen ounces as top-milk, and using in a twenty-ounce mixture seven
ounces of this in place of formula No. 1, and also by using for the next
increase the upper fifteen ounces as top-milk--taking of this eight ounces
in a twenty-ounce mixture in place of formula No. 2. Then follow three of
this third series. This is only done when you think the formulas two and
three of the third series do not give enough fat.
Can I add any other food about the sixth or seventh months? Yes, foods in
the form of gruel, and have this take the place of part of the boiled
water and part of the sugar. Oatmeal and barley gruels can be added.
How can I do this? Give at first one feeding of plain milk and barley
gruel daily; later two feedings, then three feedings, etc. For example,
suppose one infant was being fed with modified milk as formula 4 or 5,
series 3, six feedings daily. The plain milk diluted with boiling water
would take the place of one such feeding at first, then two, three, four,
etc., feedings. Such changes to be made at intervals of two weeks.
Proportions of milk and barley gruel should be, at first, about five and
one-half ounces milk, two and one-half ounces barley gruel; later six
ounces milk, three ounces barley gruel and then seven ounces milk, two
ounces barley gruel until plain milk is alone used, and this can usually
be reached at twelve to thirteen months. For five months' infants a pinch
of soda may be added to each feeding when the lime-water is omitted. It is
not generally necessary, however.
Do some infants dislike the milk after the milk sugar has been omitted?
Yes; for such 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoonful of granulated sugar may be added for
a time to each feeding and gradually reduced.
They are only for healthy infants. Begin always with a weak formula,
especially with an infant previously nursed at the breast, with one just
weaned and with infants who have poor digestive powers, or whose digestive
powers are unknown. Should the first formula tried be too weak the food
can be strengthened every three or four days until the right formula is
found. If the food is made too strong at first an attack of indigestion is
liable to follow.
How shall I increase the strength of the food? This should be done very
gradually. Do not advance more than one formula in the given series. It is
frequently better to make the increase in half steps. Say when it is from
three to four, give three and one-half, and then four.
How rapidly can I increase the quantity of food? This should not be more
than one-fourth ounce in each feeding, one to one and one-half to two
ounces daily.
What signs in the infant demand an increase? The infant is not satisfied,
does not gain in weight, but it has good digestion--that is, it does not
vomit and has good stools.
When should I not increase the food? So long as the child is satisfied,
gains four to six ounces weekly, even when the quantity and strength of
the food is considerably below the average.
Should you then increase the food if the child seems somewhat hungry, but
still gains from eight to ten ounces weekly? It is not always a safe rule
to be guided by the appetite.
How can I know whether to increase the strength or the quantity of the
food? In the early weeks it is well first to increase the strength, the
next time the quantity of the food, then the strength, then the quantity,
etc. The quantity chiefly should be increased after the fourth or fifth
month.
Should a slight stomach discomfort or disturbance follow after the food
has been strengthened, what shall I do? If the disturbance is marked and
continues and the infant does not seem able to accustom itself to the new
food, you should go back to the weaker one and the next increase should be
smaller.
Should I be worried if the gain in weight for the first few weeks of
artificial feeding is slight, or even no gain? Not as a rule; if the
infant loses no weight, sleeps well, is comfortable, does not suffer from
vomiting, nausea, colic, you can feel sure the baby is doing well and is
becoming used to his new food. As his appetite improves and his digestion
is stronger the food may be increased every few days. Then the weight will
soon increase.
Is constipation likely to occur from such a weak food? This is very often
seen owing to the fact of their being little residue in the bowels, so if
he has a daily stool, even if it is small and dry, it need not cause worry
as it soon passes away with the using of stronger food.
What circumstances indicate that the food should be reduced? When the
child becomes ill from any causes, or when there are any marked symptoms
of indigestion.
How can I reduce the food? If there is but a slight disturbance and the
daily food has been prepared, pour off one-third from each bottle just
before each feeding and replace this quantity of food with boiled water;
if the disturbance is more severe, immediately dilute the food at least
one-half and also reduce, at the same time the quantity given; for a
severe attack of indigestion, omit the regular food altogether and give
only boiled water until a doctor has been called.
How shall I return to the original formula after it has been reduced for a
disturbance of digestion? The increase must be very gradual after the
immediate reduction. After a severe attack of indigestion, the milk should
not be made more than one-fifth the original strength, and ten days or two
weeks should elapse before the original strength food is given and, as
stated, there should be a gradual slow increase.
How long shall I continue the modified milk? Usually for about six months;
but if the infant is doing well you can continue it for ten or eleven
months. If the infant has trouble in digesting cows' milk other foods can
be added at three or four months or even at the beginning.
What food can I first use? Barley, oatmeal, arrowroot, and farina.
Is it better to make them from the flour? Yes, they are more simple to
prepare from the flour.
How shall I cook them? Cook them separately, and when used they take the
place of some of the boiled water.
How much of the gruel can I use? If prepared by the last method one-sixth
to one-half the total quantity of food; if the barley water is used it
can be used in greater quantity if desired, as it is weaker by half.
Which one shall I use? Barley and oatmeal are generally used; oatmeal is
more laxative.
What is their value as infant foods? Their chief value is to prevent the
curd from coagulating in the stomach in hard masses, thus rendering it
more digestible.
Would you advise this addition for all infants? No, for it does not agree
with them all, and so it cannot be recommended for all infants.
Can I give anything more during the first year? Beef juice, white of an
egg, and orange juice.
How and when may I use the beef juice? It may be begun at ten or eleven
months in infants who are strong and thriving well. Two teaspoonfuls may
be given daily, diluted with same amount of water, fifteen minutes before
the midday feeding; in two weeks it may be doubled; and six teaspoonfuls
can be given, in four weeks. Two or three tablespoonfuls is all that can
be given a child of one year.
Is beef juice of value in delicate pale infants? Yes, of much value, and
it is more important for them, and it may sometimes be given them at five
or six months in one-half the quantity mentioned.
When shall I give the white of egg (albumen) or albumin water? When the
conditions are similar to those requiring beef juice especially in infants
who digest the proteids (curd) with difficulty. You can give the one-half
of the white of one egg at six months, and soon the entire white of one
egg can be given.
Describe the way of preparation? Place a fresh egg with the shell on in
boiling water and immediately remove all from the fire. The egg cooks
slowly in the water for seven or eight minutes as the water gradually
cools, and the white part becomes like jelly. Give the white with only a
pinch of salt--it can be easily separated from the yolk.
When can I give orange juice? Usually about the eleventh or twelfth month,
and it should be given about one hour before the feeding. You can begin
with two teaspoonfuls at first, then one tablespoonful at a time, and
later three or four tablespoonfuls. Orange juice is very good when
constipation exists--strain it always, and it must be always fresh and
sweet.
OVER NURSING.
Mothers who have a very large supply of milk are very likely to overfeed
their babies if the milk is of good quality. This will drain the mother's
strength. Some mothers allow their babies to nurse to relieve the
uncomfortable feeling. If the infant vomits the surplus immediately they
are not injured. Where the baby does not vomit, the surplus food passes
into the bowels and causes colic and green and yellow gassy stools. If the
mother's milk is too rich, only, and not too much and the baby vomits,
this can be corrected by giving the baby some boiled water before each
meal. The baby will not nurse so much then.
OVER-FEEDING.
What do you mean by this term? The infant gets too much food, and this is
chiefly done at night.
Can I depend upon the infant's natural desire for food as to the quantity
to be given? Not always, the habit of over-eating is frequently acquired,
and is frequently seen in infants with a good digestion.
What harm results from over-feeding an infant? The food lies in the
stomach or bowels, undigested, ferments, and causes gas and colic, and if
the over-feeding is long continued, serious trouble arises. The baby
becomes restless, fretful, irritable, sleeps badly, stops gaining weight
and may lose weight.
LOSS OF APPETITE.
What may cause this? Over-feeding or the use of milk too rich in fat.
What can I do for this trouble? If the child is well, offer food to him at
regular hours only. Do not coax or force him to eat even though he takes
only one-half or one-third of his usual quantity. Lengthen the intervals
between the feedings. It may be necessary with a child under a year old to
reduce the number of feedings to three or four in twenty-four hours. Give
water at more frequent intervals, weaken instead of strengthening the
food.
Some infants with weak digestive powers, and those suffering from various
forms of indigestion, have often much trouble in digesting the fat of
milk. To meet such troubles a series of formulas are given obtained from
plain milk.
FOURTH SERIES-Formulas containing four per cent fat:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Plain Milk 5 oz. 6 oz. 7 oz. 8 oz. 9 oz. 10 oz. 12 oz. 14 oz.
*Milk Sugar 1 oz 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz 3/4 oz. 3/4 oz. 1/2 oz. 1/2 oz.
Lime-water 1 oz. l oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz.
Boiled water 14 oz. 13 oz. 12 oz. 7 oz. 6 oz. 5 oz. 2 oz. 0 oz.
Barley Gruel. 0 oz. 0 oz. 0 oz. 4 oz. 4 oz. 4 oz. 5 oz. 5 oz.
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz. 20 oz.
*(Milk sugar is not counted in totals.) If more than twenty ounces are
needed get the proportions by adding one-fourth, one-half, three-quarters,
or double each ingredient.
Why does an infant so often vomit some of its food soon after feeding? The
quantity may be too large or too rich food, the baby may feed too fast,
the hole in the nipple may be too large, the clothing too tight, or you
may press upon its stomach in moving the baby.
What are the causes of and changes needed for stomach troubles? It is
usually a symptom of indigestion and is frequently caused by too much fat
or sugar.
How can I remedy this? Reduce the fat or sugar, and increase the
lime-water. Avoid the formulas made from the top-milk, or cream and milk.
Those made from the seven per cent milk are not so likely to cause
trouble; but you had better, if the symptoms are severe, use formulas of
the fourth series.
What symptoms indicate that the baby is getting too much fat (cream)?
Vomiting and yellow, foul, greasy, or ropy stools.
How much shall I reduce the milk sugar? Use only one-half ounce to twenty
ounces of food or leave it out altogether.
How shall I know when to reduce the sugar, etc.? When there is excessive
formation of gas in the stomach, causing distention and pain, or belchings
of gas, and often a sour stomach. Reduce the amount of sugar and increase
the lime-water one and one-half to two ounces in twenty ounces of food,
increase intervals between the meats one-half hour and give less quantity.
What food usually causes habitual colic? This is due to gas accumulating
in the bowels, and is usually caused by the want of digestion of the
proteids (curd).
How shall I modify the milk for chronic constipation? This is difficult to
overcome, and it is more frequent when infants are fed upon a plain milk
diet, variously diluted, than when seven or ten per cent milk is used and
diluted to a greater degree. But you cannot use food containing more than
four per cent fat, that is, eight ounces of ten per cent milk or twelve
ounces of seven per cent milk in twenty ounces of food. In some cases
ordinary brown sugar in one-half the quantity can take the place of milk
sugar, or Mellin's food, malted milk or cereal milk can be used in the
place of the milk sugar. Milk of magnesia can be used for lime-water as
before directed. Orange juice can be given to infants over nine months
old.
If a child has good digestion, but gains very little or no weight, what
changes in the food should I make? Increase the quantity of the food if
the child seems hungry; or increase the strength of the food, if the child
will not take a greater quantity; do not coax or force the baby to eat,
give him more sleep; fresh air, etc.
If there is no modified milk that will agree with the baby, what shall I
do? If the infant is under four or five months old, a wet nurse would
likely succeed. If a wet nurse cannot be obtained or if the child is older
use some of the substitutes for cows' milk, like Borden's Eagle Brand,
canned or condensed milk. This is better to use when the trouble is in the
bowels and shows colic, gas, curds in the stools, constipation, or
diarrhea. If it is due to indigestion it shows in vomiting, etc.
How shall I use condensed milk? The directions are on the bottle. But if
the baby is three or four months old, and has symptoms of indigestion,
dilute its food with sixteen parts of boiled water, or sometimes barley
water if there is no constipation. As the symptoms improve it can be made
stronger, one to fourteen, one to twelve one to ten, one to eight, such
changes to be made gradually.
How long can I use the condensed milk? Generally for a few weeks only as
the sole food, then give one feeding a day of modified milk, for instance,
No. 3 or 4 of the series; later two feedings and gradually increase until
the milk feeding is entirely used.
Why can I not continue to use condensed milk? It is very low in fat and
proteids and has much sugar in it; children who take this food for
sometime often gain rapidly in strength and weight, yet have not much
resistance, and they are very prone to develop rickets and scurvy.
Suppose baby is teething, has a cold, sore throat, etc., what change shall
I make? Dilute the food for two or three feedings by using boiled water in
place of an ounce or two of food; this much to be removed from the bottle
before being given; if it is necessary to continue for several days, use a
weaker formula.
What changes shall I make in this for serious acute sickness? For,
diseases with fever like measles, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc., dilute the
food and reduce the fat (cream from top-milk). Give the food at regular
intervals, but not so often. Do not force food in the early part of acute
sickness.
Suppose baby has acute gastritis, what changes shall I make? Stop all food
and give boiled water, only, for ten or more hours, then try barley water
or whey, but do not give any milk for at least twenty-four hours after all
vomiting has ceased. When you again begin the modified milk use a small
quantity with a low proportion of fat, and you can secure this by using a
formula from the fourth series. You may also double the proportion of
lime-water.
But suppose the attack is more severe? If there is fever and the passages
smell badly and are more frequent, stop all milk and use the diet given
for acute gastritis. (Acute indigestion).
Do other conditions besides the food influence digestion? Yes, use proper
clothing, keep warm feet, regular habits, fresh air. Clean bottles and
food, given at proper intervals and temperature, quiet surroundings and
absence of excitement are needed.
What common mistakes are often made in modifying milk and feeding infants?
Never fail to follow the directions given for removing the top-milk.
Remove all the top-milk of any given strength in making a formula, and
not only the number of ounces needed for the formula. By using rich Jersey
milk as if it were more common milk. The formulas given are based upon
about four per cent fat. Food is very often increased too rapidly,
particularly after stomach and bowel indigestion. The food in an infant of
three or four months old attacked by acute indigestion should seldom be
given in full strength for two weeks afterwards, only half steps should be
taken like two to two and one-half, etc. Another mistake, when indigestion
symptoms show the food is not reduced quickly enough; reduce the food
immediately by at least one-half.
How to prepare cows' milk at home; what is needed? Feeding bottles, rubber
nipples, an eight-ounce graduated measuring glass, a glass funnel, a brush
for bottles, cotton, alcohol lamp, a tall quart cup for warming bottles of
milk, a pitcher for mixing food, a wide mouthed bottle of boric acid and
one of bicarbonate of soda, a pasteurizer, and later a double boiler for
cooking cereals will be needed.
How shall I care for the bottles? Rinse them, as soon as the child is
through nursing, with cold water, and let stand filled with cold water and
a little bicarbonate of soda in the water. Before using them again wash
them thoroughly with the bottle brush and hot soap suds and place them for
twenty minutes in boiling water.
What kind of nipples are best? Straight ones which slip over the neck of
the bottle, of black rubber, and the hole should only be large enough for
the milk to drop rapidly when the bottle is held upside down.
How shall I care for the nipples? Boil new ones for five minutes at first.
After using rinse them carefully in cold water and keep them covered in a
glass containing a solution of borax or boric acid. Turn them inside out
once a day and wash thoroughly with soap and water.
What kind of cotton shall I use for corking the bottles? Refined
non-absorbent cotton is best, but the ordinary absorbent cotton will do.
Which is the best--an alcohol lamp, or the Bunsen burner? The Bunsen
burner is the best, cheaper and simpler if there is gas in the house.
Should you use the lamp, put it upon a table covered with a plate of zinc
or tin, or upon a large tin tray. The French pattern is the best.
Give special directions now for preparing the food according to any of the
given formulas? The hands must be clean, as well as everything else--food
and utensils. First dissolve the milk sugar in boiling water, filtering,
if necessary, then add to the boiled water and sugar the milk, cream, and
lime-water, mixing all in the pitcher; a sufficient quantity for
twenty-four hours is always prepared at one time. Divide this in equal
quantities into the number of feedings for the twenty-four hours and cork
the bottles with the cotton cork and cool the bottles rapidly, after
having been pasteurized by standing first in tepid and then in cold water,
and then place in an ice chest at 50 degrees F.
FEEDING DIRECTIONS.
How shall I prepare the bottle at feeding time? Take one from the ice
chest, warm it by placing it in warm water deep enough to cover the milk
in the bottle. Then thoroughly shake it, remove the cotton cork, and
adjust the nipple.
How shall I know that the temperature of the milk is correct? Pour a
teaspoonful from the bottle before adjusting the nipple, and taste it, or
pour a few drops through the nipple upon the inner surface of the wrist.
It should feel quite warm, but not quite hot; or a baby thermometer may be
placed in the water where the milk stands, and the temperature should be
between 98 and 100 degrees F.
How can I keep the milk warm while the baby is feeding? Slip over the
bottle a warm flannel bag with a draw-string.
What position should a child be in when feeding? During the first few
months, except at night, it had better be held in the arms; later it can
lie on its side in the crib, but the bottle must then be held by the nurse
until it is emptied, or the baby will nurse and sleep, and nurse and
sleep, etc.
How much time shall I give the baby for one feeding? Not longer than
twenty minutes. Take the bottle away then and do not give it until the
next feeding. Keep a sleepy baby awake, when well, until the food is
taken, or remove the bottle.
Can I play with the baby after feeding? Never. It may cause vomiting and
indigestion. Baby should lie quietly and sleep if possible, or at least
not be disturbed.
FEEDING INTERVALS.
How often shall I nurse or feed baby during the first month? Ten times in
twenty-four hours at intervals of two hours during the day and two times
at night.
Why can I not feed baby oftener? Because it takes nearly two hours to
digest a meal at two months, about two and one-half hours at five or six
months, and if another meal is given before the former meal is digested,
vomiting and indigestion will result. The following schedule is given by
one authority on children for healthy infants for the first year:
This schedule is for healthy children. The smaller amounts are required by
smaller children with weak digestion; the larger amounts are required by
large children with strong digestion. The interval is from the beginning
of one feeding to the beginning of the next feeding.
How soon can I make the intervals at two and one-half hours? Generally at
five or six weeks.
When should I lengthen the interval between feedings? When there is poor
stomach digestion.
How can I teach baby to take regular meals? By commencing at birth to feed
at exactly regular hours every day.
Shall I awaken baby to feed it? Yes, for a few days. In a short time he
will waken at the same hours himself.
Should this regularity extend through the night? Only up to nine or ten
o'clock. After ten let him sleep as long as he will.
How soon can baby go without food from 10 p. m. to 7 a. m.? At four months
usually and always at five or six months; night feeding causes
restlessness and poor sleep.
STERILIZED MILK.
Does cows' milk contain germs? Yes, even if it is handled faultlessly; but
when carelessly handled the number of germs is enormous.
Are all of the germs injurious? Most are harmless or cause only the
souring of the milk.
How many methods of heating milk are there? First, sterilizing, in which
the milk is heated to 212 degrees F., for one hour or one and one-half
hours. Second, pasteurizing, when you heat the milk to 155 degrees or 170
degrees F. for thirty minutes.
How long will milk so treated keep on ice? Heated to 212 degrees F. for an
hour will keep for two or three weeks; that heated (pasteurized) to 155
degrees F. will keep for two or three days.
When should I heat it 212 degrees F.? For use on long journeys of days
traveling. Then you should heat for one hour upon two successive days,
leaving the cotton stoppers in the bottles.
Does heating milk to 155 degrees F. for one-half hour injure it in any
way? It does not affect the taste or make it more constipating. The
unfavorable effects, if any, are slight. Get clean and fresh milk and the
effects will be really of no account.
What shall I do with the milk after it has been pasteurized? Cool it
quickly by placing the bottles in cold water--never leave them in the room
where pasteurized, and never place them, when warm, in an ice chest.
Why this caution? Because it requires from two to four hours to cool them
in the air, or in the ice box, and during that time a good many
undeveloped germs may mature and injure the keeping properties of the
milk. You can cool the bottles of milk in cool water in from ten to twenty
minutes if you change the water frequently, or if ice is put into the
water.
PEPTONIZED MILK.
What part of the milk has been digested? The proteids (curd).
Does this alter its taste? No, if it is peptonized for only ten minutes,
but if it is fully peptonized the milk has a bitter taste.
How can the bitter taste be avoided in partly peptonized milk? At the end
of ten or fifteen minutes place the milk in a sauce-pan and raise it
quickly to the boiling point; this kills the ferment so that the milk will
not become bitter when it is warmed for feeding; or the milk can be cooled
rapidly by placing the bottles first in cool and then in ice water; but in
this way the ferment is not destroyed, and the milk may become bitter when
warmed for feeding.
Will you describe the process? Place the plain or modified milk in a clean
glass jar or bottle, and then rub up the peptonizing powder or tablet with
a tablespoonful of milk, and add it to the milk and shake the bottle.
Place the bottle in a large pitcher or basin of water of about 110 degrees
F., or as warm as the hand can bear comfortably, and allow it to remain
for ten to twenty minutes if you wish to peptonize the milk but partially;
or if you wish it completely peptonized let it remain for two hours.
How much of the agent should be used? For a single feeding of four ounces
one may use one-eighth of a tube with a weak formula of milk or one-sixth
with a stronger formula. For one pint of plain milk five grains of the
extract and fifteen grains of bicarbonate of soda will be needed. This
amount is usually put up in one tube or tablet. Less will be required in
weaker formulas of modified milk.
How long may I give it? It may be used for a few days when completely
peptonized; when partially peptonized it can be used for two or three
months, and when you wish to give other food, leave off its use gradually
by shortening the time of peptonizing and lessening the quantity of the
powder used.
How many meals should a child have during the second year? Five.
Shall I prepare the milk for all day at one time? It is better to prepare
the milk for all day during the second and third years. If you wish to
modify it by adding cream, water, etc., prepare as done during the first
year, and later when only plain milk is used, the quantities needed for
the different feedings should be put into one or two bottles, pasteurized
or not as necessary. In this way the different feedings are kept separate.
Prepare the food as soon as possible in the morning alter the milk has
been received.
10:00 a. m.--Milk two parts, oatmeal or barley gruel one part, and from
ten to twelve ounces in all may be given in a cup.
2 :00 p. m.--One or two ounces of beef juice, or the white of one egg,
slightly cooked, and later an entire egg or mutton or chicken broth, four
to six ounces.
6:00 p. m.--Same as 10 a. m.
10:00 p. m.--Same as at 6:30 a. m., except the milk can be taken from the
bottle.
How long can this schedule be given? Until the fourteenth or fifteenth
month, and then you can give the cereals thicker and with a spoon.
Can I give other fruit juices at fourteen or fifteen months? Orange juice
is the best, but the juice of ripe peaches, red raspberries or
strawberries in the order given, is good. Strain all carefully through
muslin, for the pulp or seeds might cause serious trouble. You may now
give one to four tablespoonfuls of the orange or peach juice, and about
one-half the quantity of the others.
When shall I give the fruit juices? One hour before the second meal.
How shall I prepare the beef? Take round or sirloin steak and scrape it
with a large spoon on both sides, so that you obtain the pulp only, salt
it a little, and place it with a very tiny piece of butter in a saucer,
cover it with another saucer, remove the cover from the boiling teakettle,
and place the saucer in its place; let it steam until it is just heated
through, as it must look rare when done, Give at first one teaspoonful and
gradually work up to one tablespoonful, but do not begin this diet in
midsummer. Give baby plenty of water to drink between meals, boil and
cool.
A diet for the eighteenth month to end of twenty-fourth month? Follow the
same order. For most children milk at 10 p. m. is desirable; but if a
child sleeps during the whole night it is not necessary to wake it at 10
p. m. for the feeding.
2 :00 p. m.--Beef juice and one egg or broth and meat; beef-steak, mutton
chop or roast beef scraped, very stale bread or two pieces of zwieback;
one or two tablespoonfuls of prune pulp, or baked apple and water, but no
milk.
What fruits may I give during this period? If the child has a weak
stomach, only the fruit juices mentioned, but strong children may have in
addition, baked apple, apple-sauce and prune pulp. Stew the dried prunes
without sugar until they are very soft, and put all the fruit through a
strainer thus removing all the skin; you may give one to two
tablespoonfuls of this at one time. No cream should be given with the
baked apple, and very little sugar with the apple-sauce These are very
good for constipation, Remember to give water freely between the feedings,
especially in warm weather. From one to three ounces may be given at one
time either with a spoon, glass or bottle. Boil the water daily and cool.
Do not allow it to stand in the room, but give fresh water to the child
each time.
7:30 a. m.--Cereal well cooked (over night) or at least for three hours, A
larger variety of food can now be given and given as before with thin
cream, salt, but little sugar. One glass of warm milk, a soft boiled,
coddled or poached egg; bread very stale or dry, one slice with butter.
2:00 p. m.--Soup, four ounces, or two ounces of beef juice. Meat: chop,
steak, roast beef, lamb or chicken; white potato, baked or boiled rice.
Green vegetables: Tips of asparagus, string beans, peas, spinach, all
cooked until they are very soft, mashed or preferably put through a sieve,
and only one to two teaspoonfuls at first. Desserts: Cooked fruit, baked
or stewed apple, stewed prunes, water, but no milk.
Nearly all mothers dread baby's second summer. If the baby is born at such
a time that he cuts his double teeth during the hot weather, and if it is
attended by indigestion and fever, there is really some cause for worry,
because the digestive organs during the hot weather are more difficult to
manage than during the colder months; otherwise, if you feed your baby
carefully and properly, and with the regularity that you did in the early
months, there is no reason to dread the second summer, Mistakes are made
by mothers and grandparents especially. They permit the child to come to
the table and eat of the food prepared for adults. Sometimes it is only a
little, but that little will gradually grow larger; and even that little
may be enough to upset baby for weeks and then the illness that follows is
in reality due to the parents' own foolishness when it is laid to the
credit of the second summer, or regarded as "a mysterious dispensation of
Providence." Do not give anything to baby between its regular meals but
water; crackers, zwieback, and bread are prohibited between.
Give the largest meal at midday and a light supper at night, very much
like that recommended for the third year. For a few years you can give
milk once between breakfast and dinner, or dinner and supper, and permit
no other food between meals, but give water freely.
What part of the diet should milk form now? Nothing can take its place,
and it should be an important part of the diet. Most children can take and
digest milk.
What essential point should I consider in its use? The Jersey cow gives
too rich milk, and it must be greatly diluted. Children who digest milk
with difficulty should take it diluted about four parts milk, one part
water, a little salt or bicarbonate of soda should be added. Do not give
milk at meals when fruits, especially if they are sour, are allowed.
How much milk can I allow to advantage? For an average child with good
digestion, you can allow one and one-half pints to one quart daily,
including what is also used upon cereals and in other ways. Two quarts are
too much, for a mixed diet will do better.
How much cream can I allow? Older children do not need so much fat as do
infants, and cream, especially when very rich, often produces indigestion.
It is a common cause of the coated tongue, foul breath, and pale greasy
stools, or biliousness so-called. Will not cream overcome constipation? It
does so in some degree in infants, but not so much so in older children;
and if it produces the above given symptoms it should not be given.
EGGS.
What is the value of eggs in the diet of this period? They form a very
valuable food. They must be fresh and only slightly cooked, being either
soft-boiled, poached or coddled. Fried eggs and omelets are prohibited.
How often may I give eggs to the child? Most children at this period will
be able to take one egg for breakfast and one for supper, with relish and
advantage; however, some few children cannot eat them at all.
What points should I consider in feeding meat? Most meats should be rare,
scraped or finely divided, as a child will not chew it properly. Boiled or
roast beef is best; fried meats should not be given to a child.
How often can I give meats? Only at the midday meal, at this period.
What meats should be forbidden? Ham, bacon, sausage, pork, liver, kidney,
and all dried and salt meats; also mackerel, cod and shell fish. A child
should not eat any of these until after the tenth year.
Can I give canned vegetables? Peas, and asparagus of the best brands can
be used. They are often better than stale green vegetables.
What vegetables should be prohibited? Any that are eaten raw such as
celery, radishes, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes or lettuce; corn, lima
beans, cabbage, egg plant, even when well cooked; none of these should be
given to a child under ten years old.
CEREALS.
What points should I consider in selecting and preparing these? They must
be properly cooked and not used in excess. He should not make a meal of
them because he is fond of them, and eat two or three saucerfuls at once.
Proper cooking is essential. Oatmeal, hominy, rice, wheaten grits need two
hours' cooking at least, in a double boiler; cornstarch, arrow-root, and
barley should be cooked twenty minutes or more. All the market
preparations need cooking.
How should they be eaten? Usually with milk or milk and cream; plenty of
salt, no sugar or very little--one-half teaspoonful to a saucer--syrups or
butter and sugar are prohibited.
What broths and soup do you recommend? Meat broths are generally to be
preferred to vegetable broths, mutton and chicken usually being the best
liked. Almost all plain broths can be given. Those thickened with rice,
barley or cornstarch make a good variety, especially with milk added.
Tomato soup should not be given to young children.
What forms of bread can I give? Stale bread cut thin and freshly dried in
the oven until it is crisp is very useful, also the unsweetened zwieback.
Fresh bread should not be eaten. Gluten, oatmeal, or graham crackers, or
the Huntley and Palmer breakfast biscuits, stale rolls or corn bread which
has been cut in two or toasted or dried to a crisp form a sufficient
variety.
What kinds of breadstuffs should be prohibited? All hot breads, all fresh
rolls, buckwheat and other griddle cakes, all fresh sweet cakes,
especially when covered with icing and those containing any dried fruits.
Lady finger (stale) or a piece of sponge cake is all that can be allowed
to children up to seven or eight years old.
DESSERTS.
Can I give any desserts to young children? Mistakes are very often made
here. Junket, plain rice pudding without raisins, plain custard, and not
more than once a week, a small amount of ice cream are all that can be
allowed up to six or seven years.
What are prohibited? Pies, tarts, and pastry of every kind and jams,
syrups, and preserved fruits; nut candy and dried fruits.
Can I give a little? No, for it develops a taste for this sort of food,
and then the plainer food is taken with less relish. The little is soon
likely to become a great deal.
A child has an instinctive desire for sweets, why not satisfy it? A
child's fondness for sweets is not a normal instinct. A free indulgence in
desserts and sweets by young children produces more digestive disorders
than any other causes. It is a growing tendency and hard to control as the
child grows older. The only safe rule is to give none in early childhood.
FRUITS.
What fruit can I safely give to children up to five years? Generally only
cooked fruits and fresh fruit juices.
What kind of fruit juices can I use? That from fresh, sweet oranges is
best. The fresh juice of grape fruit, peaches, strawberries, and
raspberries may also be used.
What stewed fruits may I use? Stewed and baked apples, prunes, pears,
peaches and apricots.
What raw fruits should be avoided? The pulp of oranges or grape fruit,
also cherries, berries, bananas and pineapple.
What symptoms suggest that I should avoid fruits? Looseness of the bowels
or a tendency thereto, with discharge of mucus, or frequent attacks of
colic (abdominal pain) or stomach-ache.
At what meals should fruits be used? If the fruit juice is given upon an
empty stomach early in the morning, it works more actively upon the
bowels, than when given later.
Is it wise to give cream or milk with sour fruits? No, it is not wise, it
is best to give it at midday when no milk is taken as a dessert. The
quantity should always be moderate.
Can I give anything besides water and milk to drink? Cocoa, if made very
weak, almost all milk is often useful as a hot drink. Tea, coffee, wine,
beer and cider are all prohibited under puberty. Lemonade and soda water
should not be given until the tenth year at least.
Which is the most serious? Chronic indigestion, for it often goes on for
months and even years unchecked, because it is not recognized.
What are the common causes? Over eating or indulging in improper food or
too hearty eating when very tired.
How shall I treat acute indigestion? Give castor oil to clean out all
undigested food from the bowels. Vomiting usually frees the stomach of
food; stop food for from twelve to thirty-six hours, only boiled water
being allowed. Let the stomach rest.
Can I then begin with the former diet? No, give at first only broth gruel,
very much diluted milk or whey. Increase the diet slowly as the appetite
and digestion improve, but this should consume a week or ten days in most
cases before the full diet is resumed.
Is it curable? In most cases, but the rules for feeding must be carefully
followed for a long period. Medicine will not cure such cases unless the
proper food is given in a proper way. That is better than medicine.
How long must this proper feeding continue? For months, and with many
children for two or three years.
Is medicine of any use? It will relieve the symptoms, but the main thing
is proper feeding.
SLEEP.
Should a baby sleep with anyone? No, young infants have been smothered by
their mothers. It is also a frequent temptation to nursing at night, and
this is injurious to both mother and child.
How long does baby usually sleep at first? About nine-tenths of the time.
How should his bed be prepared? The mattress should be firm and soft, the
pillow, of hair and very thin; you should change his position so as not to
sleep always in the same position.
How many hours should baby sleep at six months? About two-thirds of the
time.
How long should the daily nap be continued? Until about four years old.
How shall I put baby to sleep? Darken the room and have quiet. The child's
hunger should be satisfied and make him generally comfortable and lay him
in the crib while still awake.
Can I rock him to sleep? No. It is a bad habit and, he will readily
acquire it. It will be hard to break, and besides it is useless and some
times an injurious one. The same may be said of sucking a rubber nipple or
pacifier, and all other devices to put baby to sleep.
But suppose baby will not sleep, but continues cross and wakeful and
peevish; can I not give medicines to produce sleep? Never. If baby is
wakeful and refuses to sleep, there is something wrong with your training,
his clothing, covering, or his food, or he may be sick, he may not get
enough food, etc., or he may have worms. If everything is all right and
you have trained your baby right from his birth, he will sleep. Find out
the cause and remove it. All soothing syrups, cordials, and quieting
medicines contain opium in some form, and all experienced physicians
realize the danger of giving these mixtures to babies. Babies have been
killed by medicines which were declared to contain neither opium nor
anything else injurious. They are often used. Remember that opium,
laudanum and paregoric are dangerous for babies and old people. Careful
proper training, allowing plenty of sleeping time, no waking at wrong
hours, warm feet, legs and body, cool head, proper modified food, and
especially mother nursing, with mother careful with herself, will give a
good baby in nine out of ten cases.
Will children ever sleep too much? Not if they are healthy; you must
remember a newly-born baby sleeps nine-tenths of the time; excessive
sleeping may indicate disease of the brain.
EXERCISE.
When, if ever, is crying useful in a baby? The cry expands the lungs of a
new-born baby, and he should use his lungs a few minutes daily in order to
keep them well expanded.
How much crying daily is necessary? Twenty to thirty minutes is not too
much.
What kind of a cry is it? Loud and strong and infants get red in the face
with it. Some call it a scream. It is exercise for baby and necessary for
its health.
When is the cry abnormal? When it is very long and too frequent. It is not
strong, but rather of a moaning or worrying nature or only a whine.
What is the indulgence or habit cry? This is the cry of infants who cry to
be rocked, or carried about, for a bottle to suck, etc.
Temper cry? This is loud and strong and is usually accompanied by kicking,
stiffening of the body, bending backward and is usually quite violent.
Pain cry? This is generally strong, sharp and quick, but not usually
continuous, the features contract, legs draw up and the baby plainly shows
symptoms of distress,
Hunger cry? This is a continuous fretful, pitiful cry, not strong and
lusty,--baby looks hungry.
If baby cries from temper or habit what shall I do? Let him cry it out,
you must conquer him or he will make of your life a burden. Be sure first
it is habit or temper and then conquer him. I have seen many babies who
cried from cause and I have also seen those who needed conquering.
But will not crying cause rupture? Not in young infants if the band is
properly applied and not under any conditions after one year.
Grasp the clothing below the feet with the right hand and slip the left
hand and, arm beneath the infant's body to its head. It is then raised
upon the left arm and its head is upon your arm or chest. This supports
the entire spine and there is no undue pressure upon the chest or abdomen,
as is often the case when baby is grasped around the body or under the
arms.
How shall I lift a child who is old enough to run about? Place your hands
under the child's arms, at the arm-pits and never by the wrists.
Can I injure the child lifting it by its hands or wrists? Yes, it often
injures the elbows or shoulder joints.
TEMPERATURE.
Where should I take the temperature of infants and young children? First
the rectum, next the groin, the first is from one-half a degree to a
degree higher than that of the groin.
How long should the thermometer be left in place? Two minutes in the
rectum and five minutes in the groin.
[ALL ABOUT BABY 607]
What meaning has the different temperature in a young child? 100 degrees
F. to 102 degrees F. means a mild illness.
One hundred four degrees F. or over means a serious illness. The duration
of the fever is more important. Slight causes often produce a high
temperature in all young children which lasts for a few hours. There is
then not much cause for alarm unless the temperature continues high or is
accompanied by important symptoms of illness.
NERVOUSNESS.
TOYS.
KISSING.
What objections are there to kissing babies? They are many and serious. No
one, at least, outside of the immediate family has any right to kiss baby.
Tuberculosis, diphtheria, syphilis and many other diseases are given by
kissing. If infants are kissed at all, they should be kissed upon the
cheek or forehead.
FOREIGN BODIES.
If in the throat, examine and remove with the finger. If it has gone into
the stomach, give plenty of dry food, such as bread, potatoes, but do not
give an emetic or cathartic. An infant should have its usual food. A
cathartic would hurry the foreign body too rapidly through the intestines,
and in this way do harm. In the usual way it becomes coated with fecal
matter and usually passes the intestines without causing any injury.
What if it is in the nostril? Place baby upon the table with its face
toward a good light and use a hair pin bent right and pass this slowly and
carefully behind the object, and pull slowly forward; or compress the
empty nostril and have the child blow the nose strongly. If not removed
easily, see a physician.
COLIC.
What are the symptoms of colic? The child screams sharply; the cry comes
suddenly and returns every few minutes; he draws up his legs and feet; the
muscles of his face contract and he has other signs of pain. The belly is
usually hard and tense.
What can I do for colic? First warm his feet and hands by placing them
against a hot-water bag, or holding them before the open fire, turn him on
his stomach, letting him lie on a hot-water bag or hot piece of flannel;
pat his back gently to help up the wind and give him a little hot water
with a medicine dropper and a few drops of essence of peppermint may be
added to the water. If the colic continues, put ten drops of turpentine
into a half teacupful of warm water, and inject this slowly into the
rectum, and at the same time gently rub the abdomen so as to start the
wind. If the wind is in the stomach, give him one-half a soda mint tablet
dissolved in a tablespoonful of very warm water, or a little soda. If the
attacks are frequent, the foods are too strong; use less cream or milk and
more water. Regulate the mother's diet carefully if the baby nurses, and
she should take some exercise out of doors, if possible, and try not to be
nervous. Cereals, cocoa, milk, eggs, gruels made of corn, oatmeal; most
fruits, not tart, and vegetables, with some meat, make a good diet for a
nursing mother. The bowels must move freely every day at least once.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Wind Colic, Yarrow Tea for.--"Steep the yarrow tea
the same as for catnip tea or any ordinary herb, and give as often as
necessary." This is a remedy that has been very much used, and will help
in a great many cases. It is perfectly harmless, and no one need have any
fear of trying it.
3. Wind Colic, Castor Oil for.--"Give large doses of castor oil." Colic,
as we all know, is frequently caused by fermentation of the food in the
stomach and bowels, and castor oil is one of the best known cathartics in
a case of this kind. This can be given to small babies, in small
quantities of course.
5. Wind Colic, a Good Herb Remedy for.--Add enough water to one ounce of
snake root to make one-half pint." Give in doses according to the age of
the child. This is a good remedy, and has been used by many mothers with
good success.
Put one teaspoonful in a cup of hot water for a child one year old.
One teaspoonful two or three times daily is needed in sour gassy stomach,
with constipation or foul smelling stools. Fortunately such medicine is
not often needed if the mother is careful, or baby is carefully
bottle-fed. When there is vomiting with the colic and the stools contain
curds the food is too strong. The nursing baby should be given one ounce
of warm water before nursing, and the food for the bottle-fed baby should
be made weaker by going back one formula. Sometimes peptonizing the food
for a short time will do. This is very good when the proteids (curds) are
hard for the baby to digest.
EARACHE.
Many young babies suffer from this trouble without the cause being even
suspected. It may come after a cold, an attack of bronchitis or pneumonia,
and sometimes during teething. It often accompanies scarlet fever and
measles. The child screams, presses his head against his mother or nurse,
pulls at his ear as if it hurt him. If you press in front of the ear the
baby jumps as if in great pain and cries aloud. The pain is likely to be
continuous and prolonged.
What can I do for it? Heat is the best remedy. Wash out the ear with a hot
solution of boric acid fifteen to twenty grains to the ounce of water, and
then apply heat in various ways. Have the child lie with the painful ear
against a covered hot water bag or heat a flannel over a lamp and place it
against the ear, changing it often to keep it hot. A bag of hot salt or
bran is also very good. Laudanum and oil should not be used unless ordered
by a physician. As soon as possible after the first attack of pain the
baby should be examined by a doctor and unnecessary deafness is often
avoided by such action. For a more extended account, see General
Department. Fomentations applied are often beneficial, especially of hot
water.
CROUP.
This disease is treated fully in the general department; only a general
outline is given here. This is a disease dreaded by most mothers. It is
more distressing than dangerous. Its appearance is sudden and generally
at night. The baby may have had a slight cold or have been exposed to a
bad wind or it may have come on without any known cause.
CONSTIPATION IN BABIES.
What should she drink and eat? She should drink plenty of water, and pure
rich milk, cocoa, eat oatmeal and cornmeal gruels. She should not drink
tea or coffee. She can eat fruit, most green vegetables and some meat, but
not much starchy food. Baby may not get enough residue in his bowels. Give
him one or two meals daily of modified milk made up of oatmeal gruel
instead of barley, and give him plenty of water between his meals. One
teaspoonful of cream in a little hot water given before nursing is often
beneficial, or one or two teaspoonfuls of beef juice may be given night
and morning, After six months a little orange or prune juice may be added.
BOTTLE-FED BABIES.
Add a little more top-milk or cream to each bottle than the formula gives;
do not pasteurize the food unless it is necessary; do not use lime-water,
but bicarbonate of soda in proper strength in its place, as lime-water is
often very constipating. Malted food may be added to each bottle for some
time. If necessary, stimulate the rectum mildly; this can be done by
holding the baby over a small chamber at exactly the same time after a
meal each day and insert into the bowel a small cone of oiled paper, or
use a small castile soap suppository. This may form a habit in a few days.
Suppositories of gluten are very beneficial if used in the morning. The
child should not be allowed to go longer than twenty-four hours without a
passage. A enema made up of one or two tablespoonfuls of sweet oil may be
given with a bulb syringe, or an ounce of warm water to which has been
added one-half teaspoonful of glycerin, or one-half pint of warm
soap-suds. Do not give it every day; massage the baby's abdomen. Your hand
should be warm. Begin at the right side groin and make a series of
circular movements with your fingers, lightly at first, and then press
down harder as the baby becomes accustomed to it; work your way up
gradually to the ribs, then across to the ribs on the left side, and down
to the left groin. This can be done twice daily for eight or ten minutes
at a time, and always at the same time of day, but never soon after a
meal. Olive oil may safely be given for constipation to a baby,--from
twenty drops to one teaspoonful one or two times daily, but castor oil
should not be given for constipation, as after a time it leaves the baby
more constipated than ever. Sometimes inserting your finger, well oiled,
into the rectum, will produce a passage. For older children, decrease the
amount of white bread, toast, potatoes, and give green vegetables,
oatmeal, and graham bread instead, with plenty of proper fruit twice
daily; raw, scraped apples are sometimes the best fruit to use.
[ALL ABOUT BABY 613]
What shall I do for this trouble? Rid the system of the irritating matter
by giving the baby one teaspoonful of castor oil. Then stop all solid food
and give boiled water if there is only a moderate looseness. Keep the
child perfectly quiet. If the attack is more severe and attended by fever
and vomiting all food and milk should be stopped at once in children of
all ages, and only broth, barley water or some thin gruel given. Castor
oil is required for a severe attack. If the patient is an infant the milk
should be diluted or stopped. In severe attacks with vomiting or frequent
foul stools, stop all food for at least twelve hours and all milk for a
longer time, and the bowels should be freely moved by a cathartic. Give
plenty of water to drink.
The soda and the peppermint will tone up the stomach and relieve any
trouble present there, while the rhubarb will act on the bowels and carry
off all impurities.
RICKETS.
You should always be suspicious if your baby has no teeth at the end of
the first year. A hearty baby should have six or eight, and if the soft
spot in the head just above the forehead is as much open as it was for
months previously you should be doubly suspicious. This soft spot should
be closed in a well-nourished infant between the fifteenth and twentieth
months. If in addition to this the child sweats about the head whenever it
sleeps, cries whenever it is handled (unless it has scurvy or rheumatism)
and does not like to play, the indications of rickets are very nearly
conclusive. Rickets is a constitutional disease showing itself in
different ways.
At what age does it usually occur? Between six months and two and one-half
years.
What are the causes of rickets? Improper food, or inability to absorb the
food, unhygienic conditions. Nursing babies who have a healthy mother are
not troubled with this disease unless she nurses too long into the second
year. Starchy foods, too little milk or other animal food, taking the
infant to the family table and allowing it to eat whatever it wants, these
are the most common errors in baby feeding which very often result in
rickets. Babies who are brought up on condensed milk, or other foods that
contain little fat are likely to have rickets. Insufficient clothing, damp
and badly ventilated buildings, a lack of out-door air and sunshine, and
inherited constitutional weakness, are other causes.
When do the most marked symptoms usually occur? Between the sixth or
fifteenth months.
What are the symptoms? Such children are likely to be nervous and
irritable; child's head sweats profusely at night, so much so that the
pillows are very wet. The chest is poorly shaped and frequently has
depressions at the sides, and little nodules or "beads" in the ribs where
the ribs and breast-bone join. The child's head is also peculiar. It is
often very flat on the top and measures more around than a normal child at
the same age. The forehead stands out and the sides and top are flattened.
The soft spot in the skull is large and late in closing. He is late in
cutting his teeth. His abdomen is generally large and prominent, pot
belly; his muscles are soft and flabby, and his wrists and ankles are
enlarged a little later. He takes cold easily. He is pale and anemic,
although he may be plump and fat, and when he begins to walk his legs bend
easily, and he will have bow-legs. When he sits, his back will look as if
curved and this alarms his parents, who may think his spine is diseased.
Is such a disease curable? Yes, if taken in time; you can arrest its
progress.
Do they ever die of rickets? Very seldom, but they do not stand other
diseases very well.
When and what shall I do for it? If you recognize the condition, have the
baby attended to immediately by a physician. The food should be
changed--such children require fats; very little starchy or sweet foods
allowed. A baby ten to twelve months old can suck a piece of boiled bacon
for a few minutes every day. Fruit juices can be given early, raw meat
juice once a day. Give him his tub bath daily, and if he is apt to take
cold easily he should have a little cold water dashed over his chest and
spine, followed by a gentle brisk rubbing to start up the circulation. Sun
baths are beneficial. Place the baby directly in the sun with his back to
it, for an hour every day. Give him plenty of air and sunshine, both
indoors and outdoors.
Symptoms.--He looks shriveled, the skin is dry, eyes are sunken, anemia is
marked, the belly is much distended, while the other parts of the body
seem to be all bones and no flesh; he is constantly whining and fretful,
has a tired and anxious expression most of the time; under six months it
is hard to cure.
First Thing for the Mother to do? Undress the baby and put him to bed in a
quiet room, and place an ice bag on his head, or wring cloths out of ice
water or very cold water and place them on baby's head, and change often
to keep them cold. Warm the feet with a hot water bag. If the doctor can
not be present soon, give baby a mustard foot bath in bed; use two
tablespoonfuls to a gallon of water, some advise stronger. If the
convulsions are severe wring towels out of mustard water and place a
rubber sheet on the bed and wrap the child's body and feet in the hot wet
towels until the parts are quite red, and afterward cover the body with
warm flannels. Have plenty of hot water ready, so the doctor can give a
full tub bath when he comes, if he thinks it necessary. If the child can
swallow, give him a teaspoonful of castor oil; or if the convulsions
continue, wash out the bowels or give an injection as soon as possible.
When is a hot bath needed and useful? If the convulsions have continued
until the pulse is weak, the face is very pale, the nails and lips blue,
the feet and hands cold: it will do good by bringing the blood to the
surface and relieve the brain, heart and lungs.
How shall I give it? Use a thermometer to see that the temperature of the
water is not over 106 degrees F.; if no thermometer is handy put your arm
into the water to your elbow. It should feel warm, but not so hot as to be
uncomfortable. Put one-half teacupful of powdered mustard in the tub.
Place the baby in the tub, body all covered, and hold the head out of the
water; keep him in the bath for five to ten minutes; wrap him in a blanket
and put into bed without drying.
Give one teaspoonful every hour, while the baby is nervous or feverish.
For one-year-old child.
What are the early symptoms of brain diseases? Temperature is usually very
high, 104 degrees F. and over. There is stupor or delirium, and vomiting
is common; light hurts the eyes; the child jumps and starts at the
slightest noise, unless the hearing is affected. There is often a squint,
the eyes may be turned upward, and the lids may be only half closed during
sleep. The pupils are dilated or contracted, Sometimes one pupil is larger
than natural, while the other is smaller.
What can I do for these symptoms? Cold to the head, either by ice bags or
cold water cloths. The room should be dark and quiet. No food given unless
ordered, and then bland and very little at a time. A doctor should always
be called for such symptoms; castor oil to move the bowels should be given
or an enema of soap-suds and water. This helps to draw the blood from the
brain, also keep the feet warm and head cool.
Then wash the head thoroughly with castile soap, and apply the above
morning and night, and use internally the following:--
Take about one-half teaspoonful from two to four times a day, according to
the age of the child. If this treatment is kept up faithfully, you will be
sure to obtain a cure.
During the first year the child should cut six teeth; next six months, six
or more; at two years he should have sixteen; at two and one-half years
twenty. About the sixth year the permanent teeth are cut and follow
closely after the shedding of the milk teeth.
Treatment.--Scolding will not do any good. The child should not drink any
fluids after four in the afternoon. He should not have any bread and milk
or water for supper, but instead have bread and a dry cereal, with a
little stewed fruit; sometimes a child needs a tonic. It is a tedious
trouble to treat and it takes a long time to gain control of it. The
mother must have a large stock of patience and co-operate with the doctor.
The child should pass urine before retiring, have the foot of the bedstead
elevated, not too warmly covered so as to become restless. His suppers
should not be hearty, bowels should be regular. The following is a good
remedy:--Tincture of belladonna; give five drops at bed-time and increase
the dose, drop by drop, each night until it produces a fine scarlet rash
upon the skin. This should be marked "poison" and only given under the
care of a doctor. It is a good remedy, but it must be watched.
To relieve the itching.--Sop the spots with warm water, and a little soda,
or an entire bath can be given of this if the eruption is extensive.
For Burns.--Keep away the air from the burn. Dust soda on the burn if the
skin is not too much broken, and wrap it up in clean linen. Olive oil,
linseed oil, is better, or cream should be put on if it is more severe.
Then a layer of clean linen and then a thin layer of cotton wool. It must
not be too warmly dressed. An ointment called pineoline is excellent for
burns.
Cuts.--Wash it with clean cold water, and bind it up with clean linen. If
it bleeds much, let it bleed for a few seconds, and then stop it with a
pad of clean linen pressed firmly on the part and held there until it
stops.
POISONING.--Children will get hold of poison, and mother had better have
antidotes, etc., to use in case of necessity. Rat poison, fly poison,
matches, etc.
For poisoning from sucking matches.--Vomit the child freely, but do not
give anything oily, as milk or egg, as this dissolves the phosphorus.
Oxalic acid is sometimes used for cleaning purposes, and mistaken for
epsom salts. Give an emetic and lime-water.
For carbolic acid.--Give an emetic, and then white of an egg and epsom
salts.
Overdose of soothing syrup.--Keep baby awake, slap with wet towel, etc.;
or walk him about if he is old enough, inject strong black coffee in the
rectum. Keep up the strength with stimulants.
PROPRIETARY FOODS.
These foods are sometimes of temporary use. As many of them contain very
little fat, they may be used in cases of illness where fat cannot be
borne. Some of these contain malt sugar, and when the baby is constipated
this kind is useful when added to milk. Others can be made up of water
only, and are useful and handy where it is impossible to obtain fresh
milk. In cases of diarrhea the flour foods made up with water are very
useful. Milk at that time acts as a poison. Some of the best foods on the
market are the following--Condensed milk, Mellin's food, Horlick's Malted
milk, Nestle's food, Imperial granum, Just's food, Carnrick's soluble
food, Ridge's food, peptogenic milk powder, Lactated food, Eskay's,
Albumenized food, cereal milk, Borden's food.
Condensed milk and Malted milk.--These can be prepared with water only,
and so are best to use on a long journey. Give the baby one or two meals
daily a week or two before the journey. Discontinue when at the end of the
journey.
Peptogenic Milk Powder.--This may be used for a short time during or after
acute illness; you can add it to the formula used as directed on the
package.
NURSING DEPARTMENT
Including
Care of the Sick and the Sick Room
LIGHT.--The patient should have plenty of light and sunshine, but do not
let the sun or light shine directly upon the face.
If the patient is too sick to use a sputum cup, the expectoration can be
received in a paper handkerchief or a piece of cheese cloth and placed in
a small paper bag and burned at once.
Heat and Chemicals are much aided by sunshine, light and fresh air,
especially that of high dry climates.
The germs (bacteria) are destroyed by dry or moist heat, the latter used
in the form of steam. Dry heat is not so penetrating and requires a longer
time and some goods are destroyed when exposed in it long enough to
destroy the germs.
Carbolic acid is one of the most efficient and most frequently employed of
the known chemical disinfectants. It comes to us in the form of white
crystals and dissolves in water, glycerin, or alcohol.
Watery solutions cannot be made stronger than five per cent. Solutions
weaker than this will not destroy all germs, but on account of its
irritating qualities the weaker solutions are employed when used for the
skin and mucous membranes. How to make a five per cent or one to twenty
solution:
A bottle containing the crystals is placed in hot water until they are
melted (or you can buy this dissolved product). Then take one part of the
acid and add it to nineteen parts of boiling water and shake this
vigorously until all has been thoroughly dissolved and mixed. To make a 1,
2, 3 or 4 per cent solution, you take 1/100 or 1/50 or 1/33 or 1/25 of
acid.
Boric acid disinfectant. This property is not very marked, but it is not
irritating. The standard solution is five per cent. The weaker solutions
are used to clean cavities, for superficial wounds, and to wash out the
bladder.
The standard or saturated solution is made by using one part of the acid
in crystal form to nineteen parts of water; or, this saturated solution
can be easily made by putting a large quantity of the crystals in a filter
and pouring the quantity of boiling water over them slowly until all are
dissolved. Strain the solution to get rid of the excess of crystals or it
can be allowed to cool when the liquid can be poured off.
DAILY CARE OF THE ROOM BY THE NURSE.--The furniture should be wiped off
with a damp cloth and the floor swept with a broom covered with a damp
cloth wrung out of a 1-20 (five per cent) carbolic acid solution; besides
this the floor must be rubbed thoroughly with a damp cloth every second or
third day. If the disease is contagious a damp sheet kept moist should be
hung in the line of the air currents. Cloths that are used daily should be
washed in hot soap suds and when not in use left to soak in carbolic acid
solution 1-20 (five per cent).
A nasal douche is given, and the mouth should be washed with listerine or
a saturated (five per cent) solution of boric acid. The patient is then
wrapped in clean sheets or clothes and taken in another room. Then the
bedding and clothing are made ready for sterilization.
DISINFECTING THE ROOM.--Arrange all articles that are left in the room so
as to expose them the best to the fumigating substance. To disinfect with
formalin, close the room tightly, seal all cracks and openings with paste
and paper. Place an alcohol lamp in a metal dish in the center of the
room. Put in a receptacle over the lamp three fluid ounces of a forty per
cent solution of formaldehyde; have a dish of water in the room for some
time; moisten the air of the room, light the lamp and then close the room
up tight for twenty-four hours, until the dust has settled; then enter
gently so as not to disturb the dust and wipe off everything in the room
with a cloth wrung out of a corrosive sublimate (1-1000) solution. Floors,
woodwork, furniture, bedstead must be so washed or wiped, and use for
crevices pure carbolic acid, applying it with a brush. The walls should be
washed down with the 1-1000 corrosive sublimate solution. Then leave the
windows wide open. Sulphur fumigation is not considered so certain in its
results.
Use the same treatment for the discharges in Scarlet fever. Two sets of
cups should be kept and boiled in the soda solution before being used. All
vessels, tubes or cups that are used for the mouth in diphtheria,
syphilis, or cancer should be kept in a 1-40 solution of carbolic acid and
boiled before being used by another patient.
Sheets and clothing stained with typhoid fever discharges must be washed
out at once, or soaked in a disinfectant solution and steamed before being
sent to the laundry. Also the bedding and clothing in any infectious or
malignant disease should always be put to soak, at once, in a 1-20 (five
per cent) carbolic acid solution, or else steamed or boiled before being
brought again into general use.
The urine needs the same attention as the bowel discharges in typhoid
fever.
For spongy and sore gums.--A few drops of tincture of myrrh added to pure
water may be used. Colorless golden seal in the same way is pleasant and
successful.
Cloths for washing the teeth and mouth are made in small squares of gauze
or old linen. They are best to use since they can be burned immediately
after being used. Wrap one of the squares around the first finger, dip it
into the mouth-wash and insert in the mouth. Go over the whole cavity, the
cloth being passed along the gums and behind the wisdom teeth, thence over
the roof of the mouth, inside the teeth and under the tongue. Use more
than one piece for all this. This is very necessary in typhoid fever. If
the tongue is badly coated, it can be soaked and gently scraped. A good
mouth-wash for general use is the following:
Glycerin 1 dram
Soda 10 grains
5% solution of Boric Acid 1 ounce
BED SORES. Prevention and care of.--Very fat flabby people or thin
emaciated patients are liable to suffer from bed sores. They result from
constant friction or pressure on a certain spot or spots and when the body
is poorly nourished. Moisture, creases in the under sheets, night gown,
crumbs in the bed and want of proper care and cleanliness also are causes.
Bed-sores due to pressure occur most frequently upon the hips and lower
back, the shoulders and heels; those from friction, in the ankles, inner
parts of the knees, or the elbows and back of the head. In patients
suffering from dropsy, paralysis or spinal injuries, or when there is a
continuous discharge from any part of the body, the utmost care must be
taken to prevent bed sores.
Redness of the skin may be the first symptom of this trouble. This may be
followed by a dark color under the skin, and when the cuticle finally
comes off the underlying tissues are found broken down and sloughing. Any
skin scraped or worn off--abrasion--should be carefully washed and a small
pad of cotton smeared with olive oil and stearate of zinc placed over it
and kept there with collodion painted over it; or white of egg painted
over the sore is sometimes very beneficial; also equal parts of castor oil
and bismuth make an excellent dressing. Rubber rings or cotton rings over
the part relieve the pressure. Changing the position is often beneficial.
BATHS.
The entire bath should not last longer, when given in bed, than fifteen or
twenty minutes. A few drops of water of ammonia or a little borax will
help much in getting the patient clean and disguise the bad odor of the
perspiration. A little alcohol or Eau de Cologne will be found refreshing.
Cold damp towels should never be employed here. The water should be
pleasantly warm and changed a few times during the bath. A glass of hot
milk can be taken after the bath is given, if the patient feels exhausted,
and if the feet are cool a hot fruit can is applied.
Foot Baths in Bed.--The patient should lie on her back, with the knees
bent and place her feet in the tub, which is placed lengthwise in the bed
on a rubber sheet spread across the lower part of the bed for protection.
A mustard foot bath can be given the same way except that the knees and
foot bath are enclosed in a blanket. These are often given for severe
colds, with head symptoms (headaches), when it is desired to draw the
blood from the head. Hot water alone will do this, but the mustard hastens
the action. The mustard should be mixed with a small amount of water
before being added to the bath. The amount will depend upon the
sensitiveness of the patient. The feet may remain in the bath for fifteen
to twenty minutes, the water kept at the same temperature or made warmer
by adding more hot water from time to time. They are wiped gently
afterward and tucked snugly in blankets.
Hot Bath, Hot Air, Vapor, and Steam Bath.--Given for sweating purposes.
Fill the tub half full of water at 100 degrees F. and draw it to the
bedside if necessary. Lift the patient into the tub and gradually increase
the temperature by the thermometer to 110 degrees and 112 degrees F.
Maintain it at this point for twelve or fifteen minutes. After this the
patient is lifted out into a prepared bed on which a long rubber is spread
with three or four hot blankets over it; these are wrapped all around the
patient, tucked in closely about the neck and watched continually to see
that no air enters. Give plenty of water to drink, as it promotes
perspiration and helps in that way to cast off the impurities. Keep this
up for an hour if possible, and then the patient is gradually uncovered,
sponged under a blanket with alcohol and water and the wet blankets
removed. Cloths wrung out of cold water are applied to the head during
this bath. The pulse should be closely watched for any indication of
faintness, when the patient should be put to bed, immediately. This bath
should not be given during menstruation or pregnancy.
Warm Baths (90 degrees to 100 degrees F.) are frequently given to children
for convulsions. They should be placed in the tub and cold applied to the
head, while the body is washed and rubbed.
Local baths and packs.--For sprains, a foot bath. For menstrual pain, a
sitz bath. The patient sits in the bath with only the thighs and part of
the body immersed, while the upper part of the body and the feet are
protected with blankets. Sitting on a cane-seated chair over a steaming
pail with a blanket around the neck and body gives a good bath for pain
during menstruation.
Dry Salt Bath sent us with Mothers' Remedies.--"To a basin of water put a
big handful of salt, take a Turkish towel and soak it in the salt water,
wring out and let dry. The salt will adhere to the towel. Use to rub the
body. A tepid bath should be taken next day to remove the salt."
Bran bath.--Put the bran in a bag and allow this to soak in warm water for
an hour before being used; or it may be boiled for an hour and then the
fluid drained and added to the bath water.
Sponge bath.--Water and soap should be ready. Clothes to be put on, well
aired and at hand. Then remove the patient's clothes and wrap him in an
old blanket, expose only the part being washed at a time, wash and dry
this part. Begin with the face and neck, then the chest, abdomen, arms and
back, and lastly the lower extremities. Warm the water at least twice.
Then put on his clean, well aired clothes and into a clean bed, and the
patient will bless you.
Alcohol sponge bath.--This is given the same way, only sixty per cent
alcohol is used and the parts are allowed to dry themselves.
The hot pack.--This is given in the same manner except that the patient is
wrapped first in a blanket wrung out of boiling water. More covering is
put over the patient than in a cold pack, and something cold is applied to
the head.
EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS.
General and Local.--For dry heat, for warmth alone, hot bags, bottles and
cans are used. Hot flannels are sometimes used for inflamed joints. Make
the flannel very hot, wrap in heated paper or cloth and apply quickly;
cover all with a layer of cotton, wool and oiled muslin.
Fill flannel bags with salt, heat as hot as can be borne, and cover it so
as to retain the heat after it is applied to the ear.
For moist heat.--This is more penetrating and has a more pronounced effect
than dry heat. It also hastens suppuration when it cannot be prevented in
acute inflammation like quinsy, etc.
For local pains, fomentations, stupes and poultices are used. Poultices
are best for deep-seated pain or continuous inflammation.
Linseed meal poultice.--Stir the meal slowly and evenly in boiling water;
boil this mixture for several minutes and stir briskly all the time, and
when thick enough it is well beaten with a spoon to remove lumps. If this
is properly done it will be a light smooth paste, just stiff enough to
drop away from the spoon. Use a muslin or coarse cloth and spread the
poultice on this to the depth of one-half inch, leaving one inch space to
turn in. Put vaselin over the surface, thin, and cover with a thin layer
of gauze or thin cloth. Turn the edges over and roll in a towel to keep it
warm and carry to patient. Keep them warm,--one should never be removed
until another is ready to be put on. The skin should always be wiped dry
before another is applied. Oiling the poultice prevents irritation of the
skin and pimples. Cover the poultice loosely if possible with a layer of
cotton-wool and oiled muslin to retain the heat and moisture longer. It
should be changed every three hours at least. Apply hot and never keep on
when it is cold. It should never be used a second time.
The Jacket Poultice. For lung affections.--Two layers of thin muslin are
shaped so as to fit closely around the neck and under the arms and come
over the chest and back, low enough to cover the lungs. Three sides are
now closed, and the prepared linseed is poured into the bag and regularly
distributed. Close the open end and then apply. Cover it with wool and
oiled silk and keep in place with safety pins or tapes which are tied
under the arms and over the shoulders. When changing the poultice be
careful not to expose the patient. A cotton-wool jacket should be worn a
few days after the poultice has been discontinued.
Compresses are very good in the early stage of tonsilitis, quinsy, sore
throat, laryngitis and croup.
Ice-bags (India Rubber).--With these, cold can be best applied and with
less trouble. These are made in different shapes. For instance
helmet-shaped to fit the head and long and narrow for the spine.
Crush the ice in small pieces and mix in it a little common salt,--never
fill the rubber bags more than half full; expel the air as much as
possible by pressing before screwing on the top. Always place a layer of
lint, cotton or thin cloth between the skin and the bag. The extreme cold
is not only painful but liable to irritate the skin, and may cause
frost-bites. Its effect should be watched carefully. Sometimes the weight
causes discomfort. In such cases suspend the bag. For the head, fasten a
bandage to the neck of the bag and pin the two ends to the pillow just
high enough to allow the cap (bag) to barely touch the head. Care should
be taken to refill the ice-bags before the ice has melted. At times a
piece of ice is wrapped in moist lint or old linen and passed gently over
the head in order to cool the head.
Ice Water Coils.--These can be bought. They can also be made from rubber
tubing. Sew this upon a piece of rubber cloth in circles about one inch
apart for five or six rounds; leave a yard or two of tubing at each end to
be used as a siphon, A large pan of ice water is raised above the patient
into which one weighted end of the tubing is placed, with a funnel
inserted into it, covered with gauze to prevent clogging, while the other
end is laid in a second basin on the floor which receives the water. The
upper pan must be kept filled. This is very good for delirium in brain
fever, etc., when applied to the head and also good for bleeding from the
bowels in typhoid fever. The stream of water can be regulated if necessary
by a stop-cock.
For Soothing Effect.--Hop bags or bran bags, dipped in hot water, may be
applied, protected and kept in place with a bandage.
A paste is made with warm water and spread between the layers of muslin
and left on no longer than ten minutes. When the skin is red remove the
plaster. This is used when you wish a quick counter-irritation.
Dry cupping.--Take a piece of wire, wrap a small piece of cotton about the
end, dip this in alcohol, light it and swab the inside of the glass,
remove and apply the glass. The heat causes the air to expand and it is
driven off and the partial vacuum formed is filled by the skin and tissues
over which the glass is placed. The edges of the cup must not be warm
enough to burn the patient. Six or seven cups may be applied at one time
and allowed to remain five minutes, after which they are removed by
pressing the flesh around the edge and inserting the finger there so as to
let in the air.
Wet cupping.--Scrub the skin with hot water and soap, wash off with a five
per cent (1-20) carbolic acid solution. Make a few cuts over the parts
desired with a clean knife and apply the cup prepared in the way above
directed. Remove the blood and check the bleeding, if necessary, by
sponging. Place a pad on the part and hold this in place by a bandage or
adhesive strap.
If the dose is a spoonful or 60 drops for an adult, the other doses would
be correct for the ages given below:
Exceptions to this rule are calomel and castor oil, when half an adult
dose can be given between 12 and 18.
"Lest We Forget."
COMMON TABLES OF MEASURES.
APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT.
Table.
The pound is the same as the pound Troy. Medicines are bought and sold in
quantities by Avoirdupois Weight.
We give below a few of the necessaries and you will of course add to this
list. One mother writes that she went to the store and bought several tiny
little bells and tied one of these bells around the neck of each of the
bottles in her medicine chest that contained poison. There was no danger
of her getting the wrong bottle in the dark. Contents of the Medicine
Chest.
Hung near the chest should be a fountain syringe with the rubber catheter
for use in irrigating the bowels and a hot water bag.
The limbs should be straightened before the body becomes stiff (rigor
mortis). The eyes should be closed and the jaws held in position by means
of a support placed firmly under the chin; for this a roller bandage or a
small padded piece of wood is generally used. Of course if the person has
worn false teeth, and they have been taken out during the last hours, they
should be replaced immediately after death. The nostrils, mouth, rectum,
and vagina should be packed with absorbent cotton to prevent the escape of
discharges after death. After this bathe the body, if so desired by the
relatives, with a two per cent watery solution of carbolic acid, and if
there are any wounds they should be covered with fresh cotton and neatly
fastened with a bandage. The hips may be enclosed in a large triangular
binder; the knees are held together by a broad bandage; the hair should be
brushed smoothly, and finally stockings and a simple nightgown should be
put on. If the case be one of the infectious diseases, wrap the body in a
sheet wrung out of a five per cent watery solution of carbolic acid and
this sheet should be kept damp.
The room where death occurs should be tidied and regulated to make it look
natural and comfortable. The undertaker can be sent for as soon as desired
by the family. But if such care as directed has been given, the undertaker
need not be hurried.
4. Astringent enemata to check bleeding and diarrhea, like hot water, ice
water, solution of alum or nitrate of silver.
9. Stimulating enemata, like hot water, hot strong coffee, hot whisky and
water, salt water.
10. To relieve thirst, water one pint or normal salt solution (one dram to
a pint of water) and injected high up.
Position.--A good way is to place an adult patient on his left side, with
the knees bent up close. Protect the bed with a rubber sheet and towel
under the patient. The basin of water can be placed on the rubber sheet
and the enema given under cover.
Amount.--An adult person will take one to four pints. A child one-half to
one pint. For an infant about two ounces will do.
What material? A simple enema can be made with good castile soap or good
brown soap and water, temperature about 95 degrees F. When ready for use
make into a good suds.
Syringe.--Use a bulb syringe, see that the syringe is filled full to the
nozzle before the nozzle is put into the bowel. Any air left in the
syringe will pass into the bowel and cause pain. Oil the nozzle with
vaselin or sweet oil and then gently put the nozzle into the rectum. It is
better to introduce an oiled finger through the sphincter muscle and pass
the nozzle along the finger and gently into the bowel. It should be in the
bowel two or three inches. Do not attempt to force the nozzle through any
obstruction. Introduce the water slowly in a gentle and steady stream. The
main object is to distend the rectum by means of the water, thereby
producing reflex stimulation. The worm-like movement of the bowels
results, thus bringing about an evacuation. The patient should retain it
for ten or fifteen minutes to get the best results. A folded towel placed
against the anus will assist the patient in resisting the desire to expel
the water. A large amount should be given in one-half hour if the first
one does not produce the desired result.
For olive oil, six ounces may be given in a hard rubber syringe; this is
seldom successful unless followed by a soap suds enema in one-half hour.
For infants and children the contents of a straight medicine dropper will
be sufficient.
1. Formula.--
Castor Oil 2 ounces
Turpentine 1/2 ounce
Mix thoroughly and inject with hard rubber syringe, followed in one-half
hour by a quart of soap-suds.
2. Formula.--
The buttocks and anus should be washed off with warm water after
turpentine has been used in the enema.
Formula 1.--
Formula 2.--
The whole amount should never exceed four ounces. The addition of salt
aids the absorption of the egg. Brandy, and whisky are very irritating and
should be given only every other time.
After a nutritive enemata the patient should lie quietly on his back for
twenty or thirty minutes.
[NURSING DEPARTMENT 641]
The Vaginal Douche. For cleansing.--A one per cent solution of carbolic
acid is often used in one to three quarts of water.
How to use a bed pan.--When you are placing the pan, you should slip one
hand under the buttocks and then place the flat end of the pan under the
buttocks. It should always be warm. Raise the patient in the same way
before attempting to remove it. Do not pull it out.
[642 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Under the Tongue.--Place the point under the tongue and instruct the
patient to close his lips over the thermometer. He can also hold the stem
with his fingers, It should never be taken here right after a cold drink.
Unconscious patients may bite through the instrument, so care must be
taken with them.
Arm-pit.--Wipe the part thoroughly dry and place the point directly in the
arm-pit. Then place the elbow against the body and the hand on the chest
pointing to the opposite shoulder. When ready to take it out move the arm
away from the body and take the thermometer away gently for it sticks
sometimes and you will cause pain if you draw it away quickly. The
instrument should be cleansed in tepid mild salt solution.
In high fevers, the tongue may also be red and cracked as well as coated
in some parts.
DIET
DIET.--The importance of diet and its relation to the needs of the system
in disease can hardly be overrated. One should not only know what kind of
food to give, but how much and how often it should be given to get the
best result. Food should be given in small quantities in acute diseases
and at regular intervals. It will digest better. The food should never be
left in the sick room after a patient has finished with it. This applies
to all kinds of food, but especially to milk, for it absorbs impurities
from the air more readily than any other kind of food. How often do we see
milk standing in a sick room and uncovered; how often is it placed in an
ice box uncovered. I have often wondered how such people could eat some
foods I have seen prepared for them in such a careless way and with no
attempt to make it appear tempting to their poor appetite. Foods should be
given just as regularly as medicines, when so ordered, especially in long
wasting diseases like typhoid fever.
The kind of food.--Under each disease directions for the kind of food,
time, and quantity have been given. In diseases like typhoid fever,
special care must be given. It is better in that disease to give too
little than too much food and the proper kind of food must be given. I
shall never forget the death of a minister in my childhood days. I was
about four years old. This minister was loved by everyone and when he died
of typhoid fever, everyone was grieved and shocked and they could not
understand why God should take such a useful man away. It made a great
impression upon me. I found out more about the "why" afterwards. This
minister was in the convalescent stage and very hungry. He wanted a
genuine boiled dinner. That is bad enough for a well man. The doctor
forbade it, but the family gave him the dinner and the result, of course,
was fatal. It could not be otherwise. We often blame God for our own sins.
Many people are killed by kind friends. I have seen it more than once.
Peanuts, popcorn, and candy have caused many convulsions in children and
some deaths.
LIQUID DIET.
8. Cooling and nourishing drinks; oatmeal water, rice water, barley water
and toast water. Ices and ice cream may be included in the liquid diet
list.
SOFT DIET.--This diet includes everything in the liquid diet list, and the
following additional foods:
1. Bread: soft bread; dry toast; milk, water or cream toast, brown bread
(after the first day on soft diet).
3. Cereals: all cooked for some hours; cornmeal, oatmeal rice, sago,
wheaten grits and cream of wheat.
1. Breads: wheat, rye, Boston brown and graham bread and biscuits.
2. Meats: broiled steak, mutton, fish, game and fowl, or stewed fowl. Also
calf's head, calf 's brains, shell fish and oysters.
Supper; broiled squab, raw oysters or meat balls, asparagus tips on toast,
fresh or stewed fruit, bread cut in fancy shapes.
Meats, vegetables cooked in milk, or served with cream sauce, cream soups
and eggs prepared with milk may be given with fruits, vegetables, drinks,
etc., containing no acids.
Foods that should not be taken together.--Any food prepared with milk
should not be given with lemonade, tomatoes, salads containing much
vinegar or any foods served with vinegar or lemon juice.
May Take--
May Take--
Hashes, stews, cooked oysters or clams, pork, veal, thin soups, turkey,
salt meats, except ham and bacon, cabbage, cucumbers, turnips, carrots,
squash, spices, pickles, vinegar, pies, pastry, bananas, pineapples.
Oatmeal Gruel.--Boil one part oatmeal and two parts water in double boiler
two hours; strain through gravy strainer, add one quart sweet cream, a
little sugar, pinch of salt. Do not make it too sweet.
Raspberry Shrub.--Place red raspberries in a stone jar and cover them with
good cider vinegar, let stand over night, next morning strain and to one
pint of juice add one pint of sugar, boil ten minutes, bottle hot. When
desiring to use place two tablespoonfuls full of the liquid in a glass of
ice water; very nice.
Cream Toast.--Toast a piece of light bread and moisten it with hot water;
butter and then put on a layer of sweet cream on top and place in oven a
moment. This is easily digested.
Lemon Jelly.--On one box gelatine pour 1 pint cold water and let stand one
or two hours. Then put on 4 cups of granulated sugar, squeeze juice of 4
lemons with the grated rind of one. When gelatine is dissolved, pour over
it one quart boiling water and stir. Pour this over sugar and lemon juice
and stir thoroughly until all is dissolved; strain. Put fruit in if
desired--turn into molds, cool until firm.
Lemon Velvet.--l qt. milk, 2 cups sugar, juice of 2 lemons. Chill the
milk, then add the sugar and lemon mixed, and freeze like sherbet.
Ice Cream.--Mix 3 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons flour and stir into 2 qts.
hot milk until flour is cooked. When cool add 1 qt. cream, whipped, and
one tablespoonful vanilla. Freeze.
Crust Coffee.--Toast bread very brown, pour on boiling water, strain and
add cream and sugar. Good for stomach and diarrhea.
Cream Soup.--One pint boiling water, one-half cup of cream, add pieces of
toasted bread and a little salt.
Cinnamon Tea.--To 1/2 pint fresh milk add stick or ground cinnamon, enough
to flavor, and white sugar to taste; bring to the boiling point and take
either warm or cold. Excellent for diarrhea in children or adults.
Barley Water.--Add two ounces pearl barley to 1/2 pint of boiling water;
simmer five minutes, drain and add 2 qts. boiling water, add two ounces of
sliced figs, and two ounces of raisins; boil until reduced to one quart.
Strain for drink.
Odors.--A few drops of oil of lavender poured into a glass of very hot
water will purify the air of the room almost instantly from cooking odors;
the effect is especially refreshing in a sick room.
Oatmeal Gruel.--Pour boiling water over a cupful of rolled oats, stir and
let stand a moment, then strain off the liquid. Season with sugar and a
little cream if desired. Especially good for children.
Fever Drinks--Pour cold water on wheat bran, let boil one-half hour,
strain and add sugar and lemon juice. Pour boiling water on flaxseed and
let stand until it is ropy, pour into hot lemonade and drink.
Egg Gruel.--Beat the yolk of an egg with one tablespoonful sugar, beating
the white separately; add one cup boiling water to that yolk, then stir in
the whites and add any seasoning. Good for a cold.
Diabetic Bread.--Take one quart of set milk or milk and water, one heaping
teaspoonful of good butter, one-fifth of a cake of compressed yeast beaten
up with a little water, and two well-beaten eggs. Stir in gluten flour
until a soft dough is formed; knead as in making ordinary bread; place in
pans to raise, and when light bake in hot oven.
Vanilla Snow.--Cook one-half cup of rice. When nearly done add one-half
cup of cream, small pinch of salt, beaten white of one egg, one-half cup
of sugar, flavor with vanilla. Pile in a dish and dot with jelly. Serve
with sugar and cream.
Omelet.--One egg, white and yolk beaten separately; two tablespoons milk,
one-third teaspoon each of flour and melted butter, a little salt. Add
the beaten white last. Pour in small spider in which is a little melted
butter (hot) and cook over moderate fire. When it thickens and looks from
under the edges, fold it over and slip it on a hot dish.
Almond Milk.--Blanch one pound of sweet and two of bitter almonds that
have been soaked in cold water for twenty-four hours. This is done by
pouring boiling water over the almonds when, after a few minutes, they can
easily be pressed out of their hulls. Grind the almonds in a mill or pound
them in a mortar; mix with a half-pint of warm milk or water and allow the
mixture to stand two hours after which strain through a cloth, pressing
the juice out well.
Brandy and Egg Mixture.--Rub the yolks of two eggs with half an ounce of
white sugar; add four ounces of cinnamon water; one coffee-spoonful of
white sugar.
Albumin Water.--Beat the white of one egg until very light and strain
through a clean napkin. Add six ounces of water. If intended for an infant
a pinch of salt may be added. A teaspoonful or more of sugar and a
teaspoonful or more of lemon juice, orange juice, or sherry wine may be
added to enhance its palatableness. This drink may also conveniently be
made by placing all the ingredients in a lemon-shaker, shaking until
thoroughly mixed and then straining. Serve cold.
Apple Water.--Pour a cupful of boiling water over two mashed baked apples;
cool, strain, and sweeten. Serve with shaved ice if desired.
Syrup of Lemons for Fever Cases and to Disguise the Taste of Bad
Medicines.--"Boil for ten minutes a pint of lemon juice, strain, add two
pounds of brown sugar and dissolve. When cold add two and one-half ounces
of alcohol. A fine addition to drinks in fever cases and good to disguise
the taste of medicines."
Lemonade.--Pare the rind from one lemon, cut the lemon into slices, and
place both in a pitcher with an ounce of sugar. Over this pour a pint of
boiling water and let it stand until cold. Strain and serve with cracked
ice.
Orangeade.--Cut the rind from one orange; over the rind pour a cupful of
boiling water; then add the juice of the orange and a tablespoonful of
sugar; cool, strain, and serve with shaved ice if desired. If this is too
sweet, a tablespoonful of lemon juice may be added.
Grape Juice.--Pluck Concord grapes from the stem. Wash and heat them,
stirring constantly. When the skins have been broken, pour the fruit into
a jelly bag and press slightly. Measure the juice and add one-quarter the
quantity of sugar. Boil the juice and sugar together and then pour into
hot bottles; cork and seal with paraffin or equal parts of shoemaker's wax
and resin melted together. Less sugar may be used.
Oatmeal, Barley or Rice Water. From the Grain: Use two tablespoonfuls of
grain to a quart of water. The grain should have been previously soaked
over night or at least for a few hours. When required for an emergency the
soaking may be dispensed with and the grain boiled for five minutes
instead. The water in which the grain was soaked should be poured off and
fresh water added before cooking. The grain should be boiled for several
hours, water being added from time to time to keep the quantity up to a
quart. Strain. This makes a somewhat thin, watery gruel. From prepared
flours: Various brands of prepared grain flours are on the market, such,
for example, as Robinson's Barley flour. These are all somewhat similar in
preparation. From two rounded teaspoonfuls to a tablespoonful of the
prepared flour is added to a pint of boiling water and this is boiled from
fifteen to thirty minutes and then strained. No previous soaking is
required.
Either the grain itself or the specially prepared flour may be used. When
the grains are used they should be spread on a clean table and all foreign
substances removed. If the whole grains be used, it is well to wash them,
after picking them over, with two or three changes of cold water. Cereals
are best cooked in a double boiler. The lower part should be filled about
one-third full of water and, if more is added during the soaking, it
should always be boiling hot. The cereal should be boiled over the fire
for ten or fifteen minutes. The water should be boiled first and then
salted. The cereal is added gradually and the whole stirred to prevent it
from burning. It should then be placed in the double boiler and steamed
until thoroughly cooked. Cereals, like other starchy foods, require
thorough cooking. Most recipes allow too short a time. Oatmeal,
especially, should be mentioned. It develops a better flavor if cooked for
three hours or more, and is better when it is prepared the day before and
reheated when used. It should be just thin enough to pour when taken out
of boiler, and when cooled should form a jelly.
Any cereal mush may be thinned with water, milk or cream and made into a
gruel, or the gruel may be made directly from the grain or flour. Gruels
should be thin, not too sweet nor too highly flavored, and served very
hot. Milk gruels should be made in a double boiler. Gruels can be made
more nutritious by the addition of whipped egg, either the white or yolk
or both, and the various concentrated food products.
When cereal flours are used, the flour should be rubbed to a smooth paste
with a little cold water and added slowly to boiling water, stirring
constantly until it is thoroughly mixed.
Oatmeal Gruel.--As above, but use oatmeal, and boil for half an hour or
longer before adding the milk.
Peptonized Milk Punch.--In the usual milk punch recipes the specially
peptonized milk may be used in place of ordinary milk. Take a goblet
one-third full of finely crushed ice; pour on it a tablespoonful of rum
and a dash of curacao, or any other liquor agreeable to the taste. Fill
the glass with peptonized milk; stir well, sweeten to taste and grate a
little nutmeg on top.
Junket with Eggs.--Beat one egg to a froth, and sweeten with two
teaspoonfuls of white sugar; add this to a half-pint of warm milk; then
add one teaspoonful of essence of pepsin and let it stand until curdled.
Milk Mixture.--This is made of cream, two parts; milk, one part; lime
water, two parts; sugar water, three parts (seventeen and three-fourths
drams of milk sugar to a pint of water).
Irish Moss and Milk.--Soak about two tablespoonfuls of Irish moss for five
minutes and wash thoroughly in cold water. Add to a cupful of milk and
soak for a half an hour; then heat slowly, stirring constantly, and then
boil for ten minutes, preferably in a double boiler; strain, pour into
cups and cool. This may be served while hot and may be rendered more
nutritious by the addition of the white of an egg stirred into it just
before serving.
Eggs should be served as soon as cooked and the dishes should be warm and
ready.
Rules for Custards.--The eggs should be thoroughly mixed but not beaten
light, the sugar and salt added to these, and the hot milk added slowly.
Custards must be cooked over moderate heat; if a custard curdles, put it
in a pan of cold water and beat until smooth. Custards should always be
strained.
Soup Stock.--To make stock, use a chicken or several pounds of bones with
some meat attached, or a pound of lean meat and one quart of water. Cut-up
vegetables may be added as desired. For flavoring add a sprig of parsley
and of celery, a peppercorn, a small onion, and a scant teaspoonful of
salt. Any of the flavoring vegetables may be omitted as desired or others
added. The meat should simmer for several hours, until but half the
quantity of water remains. Then add the other ingredients, simmer half an
hour longer, strain and cool. Remove the fat.
Chicken Broth.--Take one pound of chicken and a pint of cold water. Clean
the fowl, cut it into pieces, and remove the skin. Separate the meat from
the bone and chop the meat very fine. Place with the bones (if large they
should be broken) in the water and soak for an hour. Cook over hot water
for four or five hours at a temperature of 190 degrees. Strain and add
salt. Water must be added from time to time to keep the quantity up to a
pint. Remove the fat. If the broth is to be reheated use a double boiler.
Clam or Oyster Juice.--Cut the clams or oysters into pieces and heat for a
few minutes in their juice. Strain through muslin and serve while hot. In
straining great care must be taken that sand does not pass through the
muslin. The juices should be diluted and may be frozen.
Clam Broth.--Wash three large clams very thoroughly, using a brush for the
purpose. Place in a kettle with a half a cupful of cold water. Heat over
fire. As soon as the shells open, the broth is done. Strain through
muslin, season and serve.
Beef Tea.--Cut up a pound of lean beef into pieces the size of dice; put
it into a covered jar with two pints of cold water and a pinch of salt.
Let it warm gradually and simmer for two hours, care being taken that it
does not at any time reach the boiling point.
Cold Beef Juice.--Cover one pound of finely chopped lean beef with eight
ounces of cold water and allow it to stand for eight or ten hours. Squeeze
out the juice by means of a muslin bag; season with salt or sherry wine
and drink cold or slightly warmed. It may be added to milk, care being
taken that the milk be not too hot before the juice is added.
Raw Meat Juice.--Add to finely minced rump steak cold water, in the
proportion of one part of water to four parts of meat. Stir well together
and allow it to stand for half an hour. Forcibly express the juice through
muslin, twisting it to get the best results.
Beef Essence.--Chop up very fine a pound of lean beef free from fat and
skin; add a little salt, and put into an earthen jar with a lid; fasten up
the edges with a thick paste, such as is used for roasting venison in, and
place the jar in the oven for three or four hours. Strain through a coarse
sieve, and give the patient two or three tablespoonfuls at a time.
Bottle Bouillon.--Cut beef, free from fat, into squares. Place these in a
stoppered bottle, put the bottle in a basin of warm water, heat slowly,
and boil for twenty minutes. There will be about an ounce of yellowish or
brownish fluid for each three-quarters of a pound of meat used. The flavor
is that of concentrated bouillon.
Beef Broth with Poached Eggs.--Prepare the broth in the proportion of half
a teaspoonful of "Soluble Beef" to one cupful of hot water and add a
poached egg.
Beef Broth with Grain.--Take one teaspoonful of "Soluble Beef," one quart
of water, one tablespoonful of rice, and salt to taste. Dissolve the
"Soluble Beef" in the hot water and add the well-washed rice. Simmer
slowly until dissolved and absorbed by the rice, adding more beef broth if
too much boils away. If not entirely dissolved the broth should be
strained before using.
Veal-bone Jelly.--Place ten pounds of veal bones and ten quarts of water
or weak bouillon over the fire and bring to just a boil. Skim and add two
pounds of barley and a little salt. Simmer for five or six hours and then
strain. If too thick dilute, before serving, with bouillon. Stir in the
yolk of an egg in a cup and serve.
Jelly for Dyspeptics.--Remove the skin and meat from one calf 's foot;
wash the bone and place in cold water on the stove; when it begins to foam
skim off the refuse which gathers on top. After rinsing off the scum with
cold water put the bones into a pot with one-quarter kilo of beef or half
an old hen, one-quarter liter of water, and little salt, and boil slowly
for from four to five hours. Pour the jelly thus formed through a fine
sieve and place overnight in a cellar. Next morning remove the fat and
clarify the cold jelly by adding one egg with its shells mashed, beating
and stirring steadily. Then, with the addition of a little cornstarch,
subject the whole to a temperature not over 60 degrees F., or the white of
the egg will curdle. Constantly beat and stir. If the jelly begins to get
grainy, cover and let it cool until the white of the egg becomes flaky and
separates. Then strain again several times until it becomes perfectly
clear; add 5 gm. of extract of meat, pour the jelly into a mold, and let
it cool again. The gravy from a roast may be utilized and is very
palatable. It must be stirred in while the mass is still warm and liquid.
This jelly is usually relished with cold fowl, but spoils easily in
summer; it must therefore be kept on ice.
But if the vomiting was produced by ipecac, that same medicine would not
be given to stop it, but treatment given for an over dose of the drug,
ipecac. According to the principles of Homeopathy a medicine is selected
which possesses the power (drug diseases) of extinguishing a natural
disease by means of the similitude of its alterative qualities, (similia
similibus curantur); such a medicine administered in simple form at long
intervals, and in doses so fine as to be just sufficient without causing
pain or debility, to obliterate the natural disease through the reaction
of vital energy.
A great many medicines are used in this way by all schools, but the
"regular" school claims it is not an universal law. Some homeopathic
doctors claim that the antitoxin treatment for diphtheria, etc. is an
application of the homeopathic law. The poison that produces the
diphtheria is taken and from this by a thorough and precise process the
serum is made and injected into the body of a person who has diphtheria.
This school uses very few mineral remedies, but uses many vegetable
remedies. They have introduced a great many vegetable remedies into
medical practice and very many of them are useful.
The homeopathic school has benefited very much by the experience of the
eclectic system. This school uses remedies in large and small doses. Many
of them use the homeopathic attenuated drugs.
OPERATIONS.
There has been a great change in regard to operations among the laity of
late years. There is much less opposition and prejudice. The people are
being educated to the necessity for operating in many diseases. A great
deal of the opposition was due to the doctors themselves. There have been
doctors who would operate at every opportunity. Some doctors could not
treat a woman for diseases of the womb and ovaries without suggesting that
an operation was necessary. There have been a great many healthy organs
removed, or at least organs that could have been saved by proper
treatment. Fortunately such doctors are becoming less in number and there
is more discrimination being used. On the other hand there has also been
too much conservatism. Many persons have spent years in suffering who
could have been relieved by an operation. Years ago a person suffering
from terrific attacks of gall stone colic continued to suffer all their
natural life. Now an operation is performed and relief is obtained at very
little risk to life. The same is true of cancers, tumors, etc. These, if
taken early, can be removed safely and successfully in very many cases and
lives saved and suffering relieved.
[OPERATIONS 663]
The surgeons connected with our hospitals, public and private, are doing a
great work in relieving the ills of humanity, others in private practice
are doing great work. Here and there one is found who operates only for
the money, but persons who employ such a doctor are usually entitled to
the results they receive. Your family physician, even if he is not a
surgeon, is the best person to consult when an operation may be necessary.
He will send you to some honest and competent man. Operations usually
should be performed as early as possible. In malignant disease the
operation must be done early. This applies to cancers of the lip, face,
tongue, breast, womb, ovaries, stomach and the abdominal cavity.
Then again, operations are far less dangerous now than before the days of
aseptic and antiseptic surgery. Cleanliness on the part of the surgeon,
nurses and patient is the first law of success in all operations. Any case
that becomes infected through fault of the surgeon or attendants is no
longer looked upon as a thoroughly successful operation, even though the
patient recovers.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS.
PERINEUM AND CERVIX.--The perineum and cervix are sometimes torn during
labor and should be immediately repaired. The perineum is the support for
the organs of generation and if it is not solid the ovaries, tubes, womb
and vagina will sag and fall. Neglect of this simple operation at the
proper time results in backaches, headaches, etc. Many women have suffered
for years and doctored for other complaints when proper attention to the
real trouble would have saved all that expense and pain. Your physician
should be requested, in advance, to attend before he leaves to any
laceration that may occur during labor. At this time it causes little or
no pain. If postponed until next day or later it would be painful and
require an anesthetic. Many cases of cancer are caused by neglected
lacerations.
[OPERATIONS 665]
The Army and Navy Hospital at Hot Springs.--In the year 1883 the United
States Government built a hospital known as the army and navy hospital at
Hot Springs, Arkansas, on the Southwestern slope, near the base of Hot
Springs mountain, since which time the soldiers and sailors of the army
and navy have been sent there for treatment for such ailments as the
waters may reasonably be expected to cure, or relieve. In his circular for
the guidance of the officers of the army in sending the sick there, the
surgeon-general of the United States enumerates the ailments for which the
sick should be sent to the army and navy hospital at the Hot Springs. It
says, "Relief may be reasonably expected at the Hot Springs in the
following conditions: In the various forms of gout and rheumatism after
the acute or inflammatory stage; neuralgia, especially when depending upon
gout; rheumatism, metallic, or malarial poisonings, paralysis, not of
organic origin; the earlier stages of locomotor ataxia; chronic Bright's
disease (early stages only), and other diseases of the urinary organs;
functional diseases of the liver; gastric dyspepsia, not of the organic
origin; chronic diarrhea; catarrhal affections of the digestive and
respiratory tracts; chronic skin diseases, especially the squamous
varieties, and chronic conditions due to malarial infection."
Approved, GEO. H. TORNEY, Surgeon-General U. S. Army.
J.M. DICKERSON, Secretary of War.
Free Baths for the Indigent People of the United States.--By act of
congress approved December 16th, 1878, the government maintains a free
bath house for the indigent people of the United States of both sexes. No
baths will be supplied except on written applications made on blanks
furnished at the office of the bath house, making full answer to the
questions therein propounded: then if the applicant is found to be
indigent, in accordance with the common acceptations of the word, the
manager will issue a ticket good for twenty-one baths, which may be
reissued on the same application if necessary. The daily average of baths
given at the free bath house for the year 1909 was more than six hundred.
The government is very broad and liberal in construing the meaning of the
word indigent; and the fact that the applicant for free baths has some
property, seems not to act as a bar to the privilege of free baths. Ninety
per cent of the patients admitted to the Army and Navy Hospital are either
cured or relieved. Taking into consideration the large number of old civil
war veterans treated at the hospital, whose ailments have become chronic,
this is a very remarkable showing.
Second. The business men of the city have an organization known as the
"Business Men's League," which is intended and prepared to furnish
reliable information by letter or personal application to the secretary
and managers of the Business Men's League. Persons visiting Hot Springs
should not rely upon advice, information, or propositions from strangers
either on the train or in the city.
Abuse of Salt.--Too much use of salt will cause a great many troubles. It
produces a peculiar eruption on the skin, sore eyes, etc.
Want of Salt.--Domestic animals need it and may die for the want of it.
Some animals may become sterile if deprived of it.
CAMPHOR.--This is distilled from the wood and bark of the camphor tree,
cinnamomum camphora, which grows chiefly in China and Japan. It should be
kept in closed bottles.
Uses.--It is good for cold in the head in the early stages. It may be
snuffed up the nostrils in fine powder, or put in boiling water and the
fumes inhaled. It is good used as a liniment in neuralgia, stiff neck,
rheumatism and for boils and sores. Used in the form of camphor ice it is
very good for sores, cuts, boils, etc. It is often of use to smell when
one feels faint. It is one of the ingredients in many liniments. Its
external use as spirits of camphor is extensive.
OLIVE OIL. Sweet Oil (Oleum Olivae).--This is expressed from the ripe
fruit.
VINEGAR (Acetic Acid).--Vinegar contains from six to seven per cent acetic
acid. Dilute acetic acid contains six per cent pure acetic acid. The pure
or glacial acetic acid is a crystalline solid at 59 degrees F., takes up
moisture readily so should be kept in well stoppered bottles. Acetic acid
is a strong corrosive poison; if taken internally, causes vomiting, with
intense pain, followed by convulsions and fatal coma. If the acid remains
in the stomach for some time it may eat its way through the stomach wall.
In cases of poisoning by acetic acid, milk or flour and water should be
freely given and vomiting produced. Weak alkalies should also be given as
antidotes. Glacial acetic acid is used as an application to cancer of the
skin, ulcers, warts, growths in the nose, ringworm, lupus (Jacob's Ulcer)
and other ulcerous growths. Vinegar or dilute acetic acid is given to
check night sweats and to relieve diarrhea. It is also used in treating
painter's colic after the constipation has been relieved, as an antidote
to poisoning by caustic alkalies; externally to prevent bed sores,
relieves headaches, checks moderate bleeding from leech bites, superficial
wounds, nosebleed and in post-partum hemorrhage. It inhibits the growth of
micro-organisms. Cases of catarrhal, membranous and diphtheric croup are
benefited by the vapor of vinegar diffused through the sick room. A
compress saturated in vinegar and placed over the nose until consciousness
returns is recommended to prevent or relieve vomiting, nausea and headache
following the inhalation of chloroform.
Burns, Lime Water and Sweet Oil for.--"Put unslaked lime about the size of
a hen's egg in three pints of water and strain; add one cup of sweet oil,
shake and keep burn moist. Will heal without scar or scab." This is highly
recommended by physicians.
Burns or Scalds, Grated Onions for.--"Grate onions and mix two parts pulp
with one part salt; apply twice or three times a day, changing as soon as
onions are wilted." The onions are very soothing and keep the air from the
affected parts.
Catarrh, Burnt Alum for.--"Burn alum and power finely or buy prepared
burnt alum at the drug store and use as a snuff eight or ten times daily.
Ten cents' worth will last a long time. My mother used this remedy and
believes that she has cured her catarrh entirely with it." Alum is an
antiseptic, is cleansing, as well as an astringent remedy.
Catarrh, Bad Case Cured by the following: "Inhale fumes of iodine
crystals. This was given me by a friend, who claimed it cured a bad case
of catarrh." Use moderately.
Catarrh, Borax and Camphor for.--"Inhale three times daily equal parts of
borax, camphor and salt." These ingredients should be powdered very finely
and a pinch of the powder snuffed carefully several times a day. This is a
very simple but effective remedy.
Catarrh, Pure Lard for.--"Take a bit of pure lard size of a pea and draw
it up each nostril every evening. It will require about a year of constant
use." The grease helps to keep the affected parts moist and relieves any
congestion present. Anyone suffering with this disease should make it a
point to use grease in some form every night. It gives great relief.
Cancer, Yellow Dock Root for.--Scrape narrow leaf yellow dock roots and
steep in cream to make a salve and apply externally. Add a little alcohol
if you wish to keep it for sometime."
Colds.--
Dose: Take twenty drops every half hour for four hours and then from
one-half to one teaspoonful three or four times a day, children less
according to age.
Croup, Quick Cure for.--"A quantity of raw linseed oil should always be at
hand in a family where the children are subject to croup. It is an
unfailing remedy, and for quick results it beats anything else which can
be given for that dread disease. Half a teaspoonful is a dose, unless the
child is choking very badly; then give a teaspoonful. It acts two ways. In
the first stage of croup, where there is not much mucus, it is loosened
and carried off through the bowels. In the second stage it causes
vomiting, but, unlike ipecac, it leaves no soreness of the throat as an
after difficulty. It is rarely necessary to give more than one dose, when
the child will get relief and go to sleep again. This simple remedy is one
that is within the reach of every mother, and one that can be kept on hand
at all times; and, while it is in the house the dreaded croup need cause
no terrors."
Croup, Salt Water for.--"A handful of salt in a basin of cold water. Wring
towel out of this solution and apply over the throat. Cover with warm
flannel, keep patient warm." This simple but effective remedy has been
known to give relief many times and has been thoroughly tried by a great
many mothers.
Dropsy, Chestnut Leaves for.--"A tea made of chestnut leaves taken freely
instead of water." These leaves can be purchased at any drug store in
five-cent packages. Prepare the same as ordinary tea, only stronger.
Eczema, Lard and Sulphur for.--"Melt lard and sulphur. When cool add a
little alcohol to keep sweet." This combination is very soothing to the
parts affected.
"Iodine 1 dram
Iodide of Potassium 4 drams
Soft Water 4 ounces
Apply night and morning. Rub on with feather or soft brush all around, as
well as immediately on the lump." This is a counterirritant and often used
for goitre.
Goitre, Iodine for.--"Blister with iodine. Heal with sweet cream, paint
and blister again. This wore my sister's goitre away. It took time but was
worth it." It should produce redness instead of a blister.
Inflammatory Rheumatism, Salt Petre and Sweet Oil for.--"One ounce salt
petre pulverized, one pint sweet oil. Rub parts affected."
Ingrowing Toenail, Camphor for.--"Cut part growing in with sharp knife and
put camphor on intruding part. This eases the pain and prevents second
growth."
Indigestion, Egg Shells for.--"Brown egg shells in oven and crush till
very fine with a rolling pin, then take a teaspoonful at meal times three
times a day."
Put oil vitriol in tanner's oil, let stand twelve hours and not cork
tightly, then add balance."
Vaselin 1 ounce
Belladonna 15 grains
Salicylic Acid 1 dram
Sodium Salicylate 1 dram
"Peppermint 1 ounce
Oil of Mustard 1/2 ounce
Vinegar 1 pint
White of one egg.
Pain, Vinegar and Pepper for.--"Hot flannel cloths wrung from vinegar, to
which a pinch of cayenne pepper has been added, applied hot to any part of
the body, will relieve pain." This is very good. This remedy is always at
hand and can be prepared quickly. It will most always give relief.
Palpitation of the Heart, Salt Baths for.--"Stop drinking tea and coffee.
Add sea salt to water when bathing. This cured me and I have not been
bothered for four or five years." Good when palpitation is due to
nervousness.
Piles.-
In protruding, itching and blind piles this ointment will give almost
instant relief; if kept up several days it will promote a cure."
Poison Ivy, Excellent Cure for.--"Copperas mixed with sour milk; put in
all the copperas the milk will dissolve. I knew of a very bad case to be
cured by this after a few applications. Care should be taken not to let it
get on the clothing, as it burns badly."
Oak Poison, Gunpowder and Lard for.--"Mix small quantity of gunpowder and
lard and apply. One application cured me." This is an old, tried, standard
remedy.
Milk Poison, Popular Remedy for.--
Put in an earthern vessel with two quarts of water; put over a slow fire
and simmer to one pint, then strain and add it to one gallon of the best
rye whisky and give one wineglassful for the first dose, and thereafter
give two tablespoonfuls every two hours. Move the bowels by pink and senna
tea. Poultice the bottom of the feet with blue flag swamp root mashed fine
to the consistency of a poultice. For the vomiting associated with the
disease give one teaspoonful wild deer horn in a little water obtained by
filing or grinding the horn of a wild deer. As this is not always to be
obtained, a tablespoonful of pulverized chalk is good, or a little cold
tea may be given. This recipe has been known to save many persons' lives,
when the doctors had given up in despair. When the patient becomes
sufficiently improved to warrant it, the dose may be decreased, but it
should be taken quite a long time to kill the poison or counteract the
poison in the system."
Poor Circulation, Alcohol Rub for.--"Rub vigorously night and morning with
good whisky. Don't stop for a week or so after patient looks and feels
well." Rubbing with alcohol would probably be preferred.
Snake Bites, Onions and Salt for.--"Good drawing poultice for snake bites
is an onion and a handful of salt pounded together. We also use this for a
common poultice."
Stings, an Old, Tried Canadian Remedy for.--"For the bee sting I put soda
on and dampen it with honey." An old-time remedy and seems to do the work.
Soda is an antiseptic and cleansing remedy. If no honey at hand, dampen
soda with water.
Stye, Common Tea Leaves for.--" After steeping tea gather out a small
handful of the steeped leaves, lay them in a cloth as you would any
poultice, and apply warm over the stye." It is the tannin in the tea that
cures the stye, although clear tannin bought at the drug store does not
seem to do the work as well. Black tea may be preferable.
"Resin 4 ounces
Beeswax 4 ounces
Lard 8 ounces
Honey 2 ounces
Boil slowly until melted, then remove and stir until cold."
Sore Eyes, Camphor and Breast Milk for.--"When a tiny baby has sore eyes,
add one-half drop of camphor to a teaspoonful of breast milk; bathe the
eyes several times a day." Breast milk alone applied to the eyes of an
infant is very healing, but the addition of camphor improves it.
Weak Back, Turpentine and Sweet Oil for.--"Take one part of turpentine to
two parts of sweet oil, mix together and apply to back several times a
day. It is well to massage the back at night with this mixture just before
retiring. Always apply warm."
Good manners are a necessary equipment of both men and women. In many
circles, success is impossible without such equipment. An agreeable
manner, a knowledge of what to do and when to do it, is indispensable to
the woman in society, and any man who meets other men in a business way
will willingly bear testimony to the reluctance with which he approaches
the gruff, brusque man, whose manners are patterned after those of Ursa
Major. The man whose manners are agreeable may be as ugly as Caliban, yet
please everybody.
Many books on etiquette are written, most of which are intended for those
in fashionable society who have a number of servants and entertain both
extensively and expensively. Other writers take too much for granted; they
presuppose a knowledge of the subject which the novice who needs
instruction does not possess. This department is intended for those who
desire to add to their knowledge of social forms, who do not wish to
appear ignorant and awkward, and who, in a more limited social sphere,
still wish to entertain properly and pleasantly, and comport themselves in
correct form.
CONCERNING INTRODUCTIONS.
The first and most positive rule in regard to introductions is that a man
is introduced to a woman; never the reverse, no matter how distinguished
the man may be.
The best form is the simplest. "Mrs. A., allow me to introduce Mr. B." If
the introduction has been solicited, the hostess may say "Mrs. A., Mr. B.
desires the honor of knowing you." If either party resides in another
city, she may mention the fact, or any other little circumstance that may
aid the two to enter into conversation. The woman does not rise when a man
is introduced, but if she is standing may offer her hand. To say "How do
you do" is much better form than "Glad to know you" or "Pleased to meet
you,"
If a woman is seated when another woman is introduced she should rise and
offer her hand, and then invite the new acquaintance to a seat near her
where they may converse. If a man has been talking with the lady who
rises, he should rise also and remain standing until they are seated, when
he may bow and take himself away unless requested to remain. Generally,
this is the proper moment to leave.
When Calling.--If making a call, and another visitor enters, the lady of
the house rises to greet her and introduces any other guests who may be
present. A man must rise and find a scat for the newcomer, but the women
bow without rising. If only one guest is present, she should rise if the
hostess and latest caller remain standing, or if a change of seats seems
desirable. Introductions of this kind are semi-formal; they do not
establish a later acquaintance unless both are agreeable; the social
intent is to bridge over a situation that might seem awkward. However,
many pleasant friendships have been made by such casual encounters at the
house of a mutual friend.
On the other hand, if two women who are not on friendly terms happen thus
to meet and are introduced, it would be a most grievous breach of
etiquette not to acknowledge the introduction courteously and exchange a
remark or two. Neither has a right to embarrass a hostess by airing a
private animosity under the roof of a friend--or in society generally.
General lntroductions.--The only "collective" introduction possible is
that of a speaker or essayist to an audience. At a club meeting or other
assemblage where a stranger is present as guest of honor, the members
should request the hostess or the president of the club to present them
severally.
After an introduction, the man waits for the woman to recognize him at
their next meeting. She should bow, even if she does not care to establish
an acquaintance. A casual introduction between women may not be recognized
afterwards, though a slight bow is more courteous.
The indistinctness with which people who introduce often pronounce a name
is not infrequently the cause of awkwardness. The failure to hear is no
fault on the part of those introduced, but rather a mishap chargeable to
the person who brings them together. In this case, try to think of
something besides "I didn't catch the name;" that is so cut and dried. Say
rather, "I'm sorry, but I didn't understand Mrs. A. when she presented
me." Forgetting a name in the act of introducing someone is a much more
grievous failure; it speaks for your own social unaccustomedness, and is a
poor compliment to the person you introduce. Do not attempt an
introduction unless you are sure of your names.
For Women.--Card etiquette has been jocosely termed "going into society in
a pasteboard way." Yet cards have a very essential part in the social
regime. They are the expedient resorted to by the woman with a large
circle of acquaintances and many engagements, for keeping herself in mind.
After Absence.--Another use of cards is when one returns home after a long
absence. Cards with one's address are sent to previous acquaintances, as a
notification that the sender wishes to resume her social relations. In
case of a friend's illness, one should call to make personal inquiries,
leaving a card on which is written "To inquire." After a death, cards may
be left or sent, on which it is correct to write "With sincere sympathy."
After the funeral, cards are sent by those bereaved to those who have thus
manifested regard, with the words "With thanks for kind inquiries" or
remembrances.
Thus we see cards are not meaningless, but indicate courtesy, kindly
interest and regard.
For Men.--Whereas the married man may discharge some of his social
obligations through his wife, the bachelor has no such resource. In
response to every invitation, accepted or otherwise, he must pay a visit,
leaving cards. Unless he does this, his invitations will soon cease.
Styles in Cards.--Styles in cards vary, both for men and women. Usually
the stationer will be a reliable guide as to size and style of engraving.
A printed or written card should never be used, nor, according to strict
etiquette, should acceptances, regrets or informal invitations be written
on cards. Use note paper.
A woman's card should be of medium size and nearly square. Plain script,
Old English or Roman are the only letterings used. Engraved plates, once
obtained, may be used a long time. The street address, if used, is at the
lower right-hand corner. This can be changed on one's plate, if necessary,
by ways known to the maker. Men's cards are much smaller than women's, and
must be engraved. The name is always prefaced by "Mr."
Use of Names.--A married woman uses her husband's full name on her cards.
A widow who happens to be the oldest representative of the family may have
her cards engraved without her own or her husband's name, as "Mrs. Astor;"
this signifies her place as social head of the family. A clergyman's card
may have Rev. as a prefix; a physician's Dr., never M. D. A young girl is
always Miss, and pet names are without social recognition. For a year
after she enters society a girl has her name engraved beneath her
mother's; where there are several daughters "out," "The Misses Smith" may
be engraved under the mother's name. A widow may act her pleasure as to
using her Christian name or her late husband's on her card; the latter is
customary. It would be a social convenience to use the Christian name, as
with the prefix "Mrs." widowhood would be indicated.
As has been said, a woman is expected to call on her friends once a year
at least. The "Day at Home" has rather gone out of fashion. It imposed an
obligation on the hostess which often proved irksome, interfering with
engagements she might wish to make. If, however, one has "a day," her
friends should so far as possible observe it.
If one does not wish to see callers, the maid or whoever answers the door
should be so informed; the conventional "Not at home" being perfectly
proper; it is merely a polite way of saying it is not convenient to
receive anyone. But for the maid to say "I will see, if Mrs. A is at
home," and return to say she is not at home or not receiving, is a grave
discourtesy. Nor should one keep a visitor waiting while she makes an
elaborate toilette; better say "Not at home." The call counts as a visit
whether the lady is at home or not, and must be returned. It is not
customary to invite a visitor to be seated, to come again, or urge a
longer stay. It is supposed she will take the initiative in these
particulars; and too, that the fact that the two exchange visits warrants
a certain wontedness of habit. Still, among intimates it is by no means
unusual for the hostess to say "Do come again soon; I always enjoy you so
much I should be glad to see more of you," or for the departing visitor to
say: "I shall hope to have the pleasure of seeing you at my home soon."
Men's Demeanor.--A man calling upon a lady either takes his hat and stick
into the reception room with him, or deposits them in the hall; she does
not instruct him what disposition to make of them. He removes his overcoat
of his own volition, or retains it, as he pleases; the lady does not
suggest its removal. This is the strict letter of etiquette. As a matter
of fact, many a man would feel snubbed, and the hostess that she failed in
cordiality, if she failed to invite him to lay aside his coat. One must be
governed by the customs of one's circle. It is safe to say that unless it
is a first call, which is the most formal, in our middle social stratum a
man expects, if he is welcome, to be asked to remove his overcoat.
A man waits for the woman to invite him to call, since it is her privilege
to choose her acquaintances. Such an invitation should not be given too
hastily, nor too soon after a first introduction. It is well not to show
too much eagerness to cultivate the acquaintance, and the woman should be
reasonably sure that the man is desirous of having the pleasure. If
invited, he should avail himself of the permission within a short time, by
way of showing his appreciation of the compliment. Young girls do not
invite young men to call on them; this is their mother's prerogative.
"Pour Prendre Conge."--In taking leave, it is well not to wait until one
has exhausted the conversational gamut, and "that awful pause" in which
neither seems to have anything to say, occurs. And having risen, do not
"stand upon the order of your going;" do not linger for last words, or
begin a fresh topic at the door, keeping your hostess standing and perhaps
detaining her from other guests. "Parting is such sweet sorrow" in some
cases that it becomes awkward and embarrassing because so prolonged.
Especially does it seem difficult for the youth who has not yet attained
the aplomb which makes him at ease in society, to "tear himself away."
Remember that a too abrupt departure, though regrettable, is better than
one too prolonged.
First Calls.--It is desirable, when making a first call, to meet the lady
called upon, and it is best to have been properly introduced. In the case
of a stranger, the oldest or most prominent member of the social circle of
the town should call first. A polite expedient by which a newcomer makes
entree into the society of a new place of residence is by sending her
cards to those whom she wishes to know. These are, if possible, to be
accompanied by the card of some well-known friend, who thus becomes her
social sponsor.
A first call must be returned, and within two weeks at the outside. Not to
return such a call is a gross breach of etiquette. Even if one does not
wish or intend to keep up the acquaintance the return call must be made.
After this call she may act her pleasure. If a newcomer extends an
invitation to an older resident, she should at once leave cards and send a
regret or an acceptance. If the invitation comes through a friend, and she
is unacquainted with the hostess, she must call soon; but if the call is
not returned, or another invitation extended, she must understand the
acquaintance is ended. The newcomer may invite her late hostess to some
affair at her own house, and if the invitation is accepted, may understand
the acquaintance is established.
A stranger often finds her social progress slow unless she has
acquaintances in her new location who can help place her where she wishes
to be. The easiest way is to identify herself with some church, attend
regularly, and the pastor calling on the new member of his congregation
and finding her acceptable, will ask some of the ladies of the church to
call. These calls should be returned within two weeks; it would be a
discourtesy to the pastor not to acknowledge them.
INVITATIONS.
Do not write you will "try to come;" that you will come but your husband
will not be able to do so, or in any way make your acceptance conditional.
Your hostess may wish to invite another couple; she must know who will be
present that she may arrange her table accordingly. Nothing is so annoying
to a hostess as to be obliged to rearrange her table because of some
slight excuse on the part of a guest who has once accepted,
To meet
Mr. and Mrs. William Dash,
Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Smith request the pleasure of
Miss Anderson's
company at dinner,
on Wednesday, January twenty-sixth,
at seven o'clock.
R. S. V. P. 91 East Ninety-fourth street.
"R. s v. p." stands for the French phrase, "Respondez, sit vous
plait,"--meaning that a reply is desired.
[694 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
In case a guest drops out at the last moment, as sometimes happens, one
may ask a very intimate friend, a relative, or some member of the family
to fill the vacant seat. Such a "last minute" invitation is no compliment:
one knows she is simply a substitute, but good sense and kindliness should
prompt the recipient to help out in the dilemma, which may happen to her
next time.
INFORMAL INVITATIONS.
The number of wedding invitations often must conform to the size of the
church or the house, and to the character of the wedding. If it is to be a
large one, cards are usually sent as liberally as possible. An invitation
to the church may not invite to the reception at the house afterwards,
which may necessarily be limited because of the size of the house or the
means of the family. No guest receiving cards for the church should let
herself feel aggrieved because of failure to receive the other. Answers to
invitations should invariably be sent; many omit this, not thinking it
necessary, but why not?
Announcement cards are sent to everyone you know, or, more properly, to
all those whom you wish to recognize socially. It is quite correct to send
them to people you know but slightly. They are mailed immediately after
the wedding. They imply no obligation in the way of gift or reply. If an
"at home" card is enclosed, calls are expected.
Correct Form.
If the wedding is at home, the street and number are given in place of the
church.
If the bride has no mother, the invitations are issued in the name of the
father; if no father, the mother's name is used. If an orphan, invitations
are issued in the name of the nearest of kin in the town where the wedding
occurs. If a married sister and her husband issue, the words "their
sister" are used. If a girl has a stepfather her own name is engraved in
full. Announcement cards follow the same rules as to who issues them, and
are couched in these words:
In inviting the bridegroom's parents by note, the mother may write: "Will
you and Mr. Holmes come to the quiet informal wedding of my daughter Julia
and your son on Monday," etc. Such invitations are written by the mother.
Other members of the family are included by adding "you and Mr. Jennings
and your daughter will come." Written invitations may follow the form of
the engraved, but for a small wedding at home, which will be of course
more or less informal, the personal form seems more in keeping.
Other Items.
A double wedding, which requires two ceremonies, also requires two sets of
invitations and announcements.
It is quite correct for a girl who has been employed in an office to send
an announcement of her marriage to her former employer, but if he is
married, it must be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs." So-and-So.
"A fig for your bill of fare; show me your bill of company,"
As has already been remarked, we ask our "dear Five Hundred" to our balls
and receptions, reserving our dinner invitations for those whom we
particularly wish to compliment. The dinner we provide is by no means of
the comfortable "pot-Iuck" kind. It is, in society, an elaborate and
expensive form of entertainment. A dinner to eight people, not specially
elaborate and without wines, rarely costs the giver less than $25 or $30,
and may easily run much higher. It requires delicacies for the palate,
flowers and bonbons and other decorations for the table, and ceremonious
serving. The finest of linen, cut glass and silver adorn it, and the
repast may easily be prolonged through two or more hours. Such a dinner is
served in courses; begins with an appetizer, extends through soup, fish,
joint, salad and dessert courses at the very least, and ends with coffee,
served at the table or in some other apartment--the library or drawing
room--where the guests converse over their cups.
The hostess has inspected the table, after it is laid, seeing that
everything is correct, Silver must have had a fresh polish, the cut glass
must shine and sparkle, There must be plenty of light, yet no glare; to
prevent this, ground glass globes on the electric lights are preferred.
The hostess herself will arrange the place cards, separating married
people, and in so far as possible so seating her guests that each may be
pleased with his or her neighbor. The centerpiece is of flowers; for this
never choose a strongly scented flower like hyacinths or narcissi. The
heat, the odor of the food, combined with the scent of the flowers, may
induce lethargy, so that the dinner may be "garnished with stupidity."
The fish, meat, and other courses are served from the pantry, the portions
being arranged for convenience in helping, and garnished with parsley or
lemon. The dish is passed first to the guest seated at the host's right
hand, next to the one on the left, and afterwards in regular rotation,
irrespective of sex. All service is at the left; this leaves the guest's
right hand in position to help himself. The waitress holds the dish upon a
folded napkin on the flat of her hand, and low down. Vegetables are passed
in the same fashion.
You will see how much depends upon having well trained servants at such a
dinner. The service must be without haste, yet without delay; there must
be no clatter of china and silver, no awkwardness in removing plates, etc.
The waitress must be quick to refill glasses or supply whatever is needed.
Now this is not to say that one may not serve a good and very enjoyable
dinner or luncheon to a few friends, without as much trouble and expense
as are here indicated. This is simply to state how such meals are served,
formally and informally. Knowing the proper procedure one may adopt as
much or as little as her circumstances and style of living warrant.
The informal dinner resembles the formal, save that fewer courses are
served, the menu is simpler, and the decorations less elaborate. The
serving is on the same order--a la Russe. If one is fortunate enough to
have a maid who combines the experience of a waitress with the qualities
of a good cook, by ingenious planning it is possible to serve six persons
acceptably in the approved fashion.
But there are thousands of households in which but one maid is kept, and
in this case what may be termed "the family dinner" will be found better,
because there will be no endeavor to do more than one can accomplish with
the means at her command. Better by far serve well and simply than attempt
something more elaborate and fall short in it.
Family Dinners.--At the family dinner, the grape fruit or oyster cocktail,
or the raw oysters which form the first course, is on the table when the
guests are seated. The grape fruit may be served in glasses, like the
cocktail. If oysters are served, the maid passes the condiments. She then
removes these plates, replacing them with service plates as she does so,
and brings in the soup. This the hostess serves and the maid carries
about. While this is being eaten--celery or olives being passed after the
guests are helped--the maid slips out in the kitchen to dish up the
vegetables unless these are already in the warmer. Returning, she removes
the soup-plates, never taking more than two at a time. She then brings on
the joint or roast, placing it before the host, who proceeds to serve it.
(If oysters are served first, a fish course is generally omitted; indeed,
so many courses tax one's resources too severely.) The maid carries about
the dinner plates, removing the service plate with the right hand and
placing the other with the left. She then passes the vegetables. The
serving begins with the lady at the host's right hand. If the piece de
resistance is a turkey, white and dark meat and a portion of dressing are
placed on each plate; gravy and the vegetables, then cranberry or currant
jelly, are passed. Here the waitress should refill water glasses.
The plates are then removed for the salad course, and the table cleared.
This should be ready on the plates, and kept where it will be perfectly
cold. While this is being brought on, the hostess will start dishes of
salted nuts and bonbons down the table, the guests passing them. After the
salad the plates are removed and the dessert brought in. This may be a
mould of ice cream or a pudding; pie is seldom or never served. This the
host or hostess serves. The coffee service may be brought in, and the
hostess pours it; little cakes or wafers, or mints, are usually passed
with it; then the maid is excused from further service. The hostess always
gives the signal for leaving the table by a slight nod toward the lady on
her husband's right, and rising.
Setting the Table.--The "best cloth" and napkins are brought out for the
dinner party. The cloth must be laid with mathematical exactness, its
center exactly on the center of the table. The centerpiece, almost
invariably of flowers, only occasionally of fruit, is also exactly placed.
This should be low; it is awkward not to be able to see one's vis-a-vis,
and the hostess should be able to command an uninterrupted view of her
table, so that if the waitress omits any service she may by a glance
direct her to supply it. The arrangement should be graceful and pretty,
and, in summer, garden flowers may be used with propriety. The flowers
give the keynote of the color scheme; dinner cards, bonbons, ices and
creams and the decorations of the small cakes usually served with the
dessert, conform to it. Candelabra are less used than at one time, but are
by no means "out." A handsome silver candelabra may be used as a
centerpiece, its base banked in flowers. On a square or oblong table,
candlesticks with shades give a touch of color that relieves the whiteness
of napery and glass.
LUNCHEONS.
The luncheon is a less elaborate function than the dinner, but ranks next
it in point of compliment and display. The "stand-up" or buffet luncheon
is much less popular than formerly, in fact even at the so-called buffet
luncheons the guests are now seated at small tables accommodating four.
Invitations are sent out ten days or two weeks in advance, and require
prompt replies.
The guests keep on their hats during the luncheon, removing the gloves as
they are seated; at an informal luncheon the gloves are removed in the
dressing room.
Very often bridge or some other card game follows the luncheon. If not,
guests are not expected to remain more than half an hour after leaving the
table.
Large Luncheons.--The large luncheon has few friends these days; it is too
heterogeneous an affair. Those invited feel it is an easy way of paying
off social obligations; few find it entirely enjoyable. There is more or
less of a crush; one experiences difficulty in finding a table and being
served; it is not appetizing to note evidences that others have eaten at
the same table and departed. And one is likely to be seated with the wrong
people and thus miss much that belongs with and makes pleasant the smaller
affair.
TABLE ETIQUETTE.
We have seen how a table should be laid and a meal served; now let us see
how it should be eaten:
One should not be seated until the lady of the house is seated, unless
especially requested to do so. Children should observe this rule as
rigidly as that which requires the removal of the hat on entering the
house.
At the Table.--On being seated, the napkin is unfolded and laid across the
lap. It is more correct to only unfold one-half, that is, open it at the
center fold. One is not supposed to require further protection than from
the accidental crumb. On no account should it be used as a bib, or be
tucked in the dress or waistcoat.
Grape fruit is eaten from an orange spoon. If oysters are served raw, they
must not be cut but eaten whole.
Soup must be taken from the side of the spoon, quietly, with no hissing or
other sound, nor should the spoon be so full that it drips over. The
motion of the spoon in filling it, is away from instead of towards the
person; and tilting the plate to secure the last spoonful is bad form.
Crackers are never served with soup: croutons--small squares of bread
toasted very hard and brown, or small H. & P. biscuits are passed. These
are never put into the soup, but are eaten from the hand. Neither soup nor
fish should be offered the second time.
Fish is generally eaten with a fork and a bit of bread, though silver fish
knives are in occasional use. The entree which follows the fish should be
eaten with the fork only. A mouthful of meat is cut as required; it is
never buried in potato or any vegetable and then conveyed to the mouth.
Vegetables are no longer served in "birds' bath-tubs," as some wit once
called the individual vegetable dishes, but are cooked sufficiently dry to
be served on the plate with the meat. All vegetables are eaten with the
fork, so also jellies, chutney, etc., served with the meat course.
Using the Fork.--The fork laid farthest from the plate is to be used for
the first course requiring such a utensil; the others are used in their
order. The knife is held in the right hand; by the handle, not the blade.
The fork should not be held like a spoon, or a shovel, but more as one
would hold a pencil or pen; it is raised laterally to the mouth. The elbow
is not to be projected, or crooked outward, in using either knife or fork;
that is a very awkward performance. The fork should never be
over-burdened. The knife is never lifted to the mouth; it is said that
"only members of the legislature eat pie with a knife nowadays." The
handle of neither knife or fork may rest on the table nor the former be
laid across the edge of the plate.
Tender meat, like the breast of chickens, may be cut with the fork. A bone
is never taken in the fingers, the historic anecdote about Queen Victoria
to the contrary notwithstanding. The table manners of the twentieth
century are not Early Victorian. Olives and celery are correctly laid on
the bread-and-butter plate. The former is never dipped in one's salt
cellar; a small portion of salt is put on the edge of the plate; both are
eaten from the fingers.
Hard cheese may be eaten from the fingers; soft cheeses, like Neufchatel,
Brie, and the like, are eaten with the fork, or a bit is spread on a
morsel of bread and conveyed to the mouth with the fingers.
A soft cake is eaten with a fork. The rule is that whatever can be eaten
with a fork shall be so eaten.
Roman punch and sherbets require a spoon. Berries, peaches and cream,
custards, preserves, jellies, call for the spoon. Strawberries are often
served as a first course in their season. They are then arranged with
their hulls and a portion of stem left on, dipped in powdered sugar and
eaten from the fingers. A little mound of the sugar is pressed into shape
in the center of the small plate and the berries laid around it.
Peaches, pears, and apples are peeled with the fruit knife, cut in
quarters or eighths, and eaten from the fingers. Bananas are stripped of
the skin, cut in pieces with a fork and eaten from it. Oranges are cut in
two across the sections and eaten with an orange spoon. Plums, like
olives, are eaten by biting off the pulp without taking the stone in the
mouth. Pineapple, unless shredded or cut up, requires both knife and fork;
it is usually prepared for more convenient eating. Grapes, which should be
washed by letting water from the faucet run over them and laid on a folded
towel until the moisture drips off, are eaten from behind the half-closed
hand, which receives the skins and seeds, then to be deposited on the
plate.
The Spoon.--The spoon must never be left in the cup, no matter what
beverage is served. Most of us have seen some absent-minded individual (we
will charitably suppose him absent-minded instead of ignorant), stir his
coffee round and round and round, creating a miniature whirlpool and very
likely slopping it over into the saucer; then, prisoning the spoon with a
finger, drink half the cup's contents at a gulp. To do this is positively
vulgar. Stir the coffee or tea very slightly, just enough to stir the
cream and sugar with it, then drink in sips. To take either from the
teaspoon is bad form. Bread is broken, not cut, and only a small portion
buttered at a time. Do not play with bread crumbs or spoon, etc., during
the progress of a meal. Leave knife and fork on the plate, handles side by
side, when it is passed for a second helping, and at a conclusion of a
course, or the meal, lay them in the same position, points of the fork
upward.
Finger Bowls.--When finger bowls are brought, the tips of the fingers are
dipped in the bowl and dried on the napkin. Men may lift the moistened
fingers to the lips; women seldom do this, but wipe the lips with the
napkin. At any function the napkin is not folded, but laid at the side of
the plate at the conclusion of the repast. If a guest for a day or so, or
for more than one meal, note what your hostess does with her napkin and
follow her. If a guest at only one meal, never fold the napkin. Be careful
not to throw it down so carelessly that it is stained with coffee, fruit,
or fruit juices; your hostess will thank you for your consideration.
Be ready to rise when your hostess rises; you do not push your chair into
place; simply rise and leave it. Rise on the side of your chair so you
will not have to go around it in following your hostess to the drawing
room.
RECEPTIONS.
When invitations are sent out for a reception, the recipient dons her
handsomest afternoon gown for the occasion. This may be a dressy tailored
suit; by this is meant one not severely simple; or she may wear some
handsome trained gown under a long coat. Small cards for presentation at
the door are sometimes enclosed with invitations to a large reception or
buffet luncheon, since "the pushers" have been known to present themselves
at such functions without having been invited. These cards are handed to
the man who opens the carriage door. An awning extends from the door to
the curb, and strips of carpet are laid under it, A maid opens the door
and directs guests to the dressing room, where wraps are laid aside, hats
and gloves being retained.
The guests then circulate through the rooms, greeting acquaintances, and
drifting eventually to the dining room, where refreshments are served.
They may stay as long as they find it agreeable, within the hours named on
the card of invitation, but people seldom stay more than an hour.
The hostess remains near the door after the rush is over to greet the
belated guest and bid adieu to those who are leaving.
Suppose one arrives unexpectedly and finds the friend's house full of
other and invited company. Then, if ever, she ought to feel herself "a
rank outsider." If she is tactless enough not to give notice of her
intended arrival, she probably has not the good sense to depart as quickly
as possible. The man of the house may have to sleep on the parlor sofa, or
the children on the floor, and ninety-nine times out of a hundred the
whole family will wish her in Halifax.
Or she may arrive to find some member of the family ill, or house-cleaning
or repairing in progress, or the house in the hands of the decorators.
Indeed, so many unforeseen accidents may occur to make her visit an
unpleasant memory, both to herself and her hostess, that only the most
selfish and inconsiderate of women will so violate the social conventions
as to make "surprise visits."
WEEK-END VISITS.
The Invitation.--One may write to her friend: "Won't you give us the
pleasure of entertaining you from Friday afternoon to Monday? The 3:45
train will bring you here in time for tea. There is to be a musical in the
evening; an automobile ride is planned for Saturday afternoon, to show you
the beauties of our vicinity, and there is to be the usual Saturday
evening dance at the hotel. A train leaves here at 10:30 Monday morning,
which will take you back to the city in ample time for lunch. Hoping to
have the happiness of seeing you on Friday, I am," etc., etc.
This not only suggests to your friend at what time she is expected to
arrive and depart, but gives her an idea of what she should bring with her
in the way of clothes. One should always take her prettiest gowns that
will be suitable to the entertainments proposed for her pleasure--for a
hostess naturally wishes to have her guests make a good appearance. From
four to six is the number generally asked to a small house-party, since
the usual summer cottage has few guest rooms. The guests are, if possible,
evenly divided as to sex, and a hostess may, with perfect propriety,
arrange that the men of the party shall be lodged at a hotel, coming over
to breakfast with their entertainer.
The most enjoyable house-parties are given in these roomy old houses with
broad verandas, surrounded with lawn and garden. But this need not deter
those having less delightful surroundings from offering their best to
their friends. It is not so much the elegance of what we offer as the
manner in which it is offered that makes our friends remember their visit
with pleasure.
Her best plan will be to have a becoming shape covered with black tulle or
malines, and a made bow attached to it to travel in. On arrival, she will
detach the bow and pin on a couple of plumes, an aigrette, or flowers,
converting it into a dress hat.
Men's Wear.--The man wears the ordinary business suit for travelling, sack
or cutaway. He wears in the country in the morning a suit of flannel,
tweed or cheviot, a straw hat and tan shoes. His shirt may be of striped
madras or linen, with a white collar. The cutaway coat is correct for
ordinary afternoon wear, with a white waistcoat, white shirt and
four-in-hand tie. This takes the place in summer of the frock coat, which
is the formal day wear. He will seldom, if ever, have occasion for a dress
suit at a week-end visit in summer. Of course, the size of the party and
the gayeties in which one will participate have a bearing on the dress
question, but the tendency is for men's dress to be more comfortable and
less formal in summer, especially in the country.
The woman who is entertaining guests must remember two things: that she
must not neglect them, and that she must not tire them out with too much
attention. There is a "happy mean" to be attained, which is the climax of
pleasure and comfort to both.
One woman makes her visitor feel that "the domestic veal" has been
slaughtered in her behalf. The usual manner of living and habits of life
have been put aside that she may be "entertained." Elaborate meals are
planned; there is a straining after hospitality which defeats its own
purpose and makes the visitor uncomfortable, because the hostess has so
manifestly incommoded herself. The fussy hostess puts too much endeavor
into her entertainment.
On the other hand, there is the hostess who announces her intention of
regarding her visitor as "one of the family," "making no fuss" on account
of her being in the house. This sounds much better than it works out in
actual practice. Unless we are prepared to modify our routine in
accordance with our friend's pleasure and convenience, at least to some
extent, we should not invite her. We do not ask people to our houses to
make them more uncomfortable than they would be at home. A visit is in the
nature of a holiday, or vacation, to the visitor; we are to see to it that
she is deferred to and efforts made to please her.
There should be plenty of fresh towels and water; a fresh cake of soap, a
candlestick and matches, and a waste paper basket. On the dressing-bureau
there should be a spotless spread, a pincushion well stocked with pins,
hand mirror, comb and brush. The guest will bring her own, but may need to
use these before her luggage arrives. The brush and comb should have been
washed after a previous using.
She will ask some of her friends to call on her guest; she will give a
little entertainment for her, at cards, or a tea, or a reception,
according to circumstances. No doubt her friends will include her visitor
in their invitations during her stay. She will take her friend to see the
sights of her home city if she is a stranger; she may give a theatre
party, or at least take her friend several times. She will pay her guest's
carfare, unless the other anticipates her, and pay for the theatre
tickets. It will be perfectly correct for the guest to "stand treat" by
inviting her host and hostess to accompany her to concert or play, paying
for the seats herself.
She may be asked to invite some friend to dine with her, or someone
provided to take her to the theatre. Nor has she a right to feel affronted
at being left at home.
One thing must be carefully avoided, the hostess must not let her guest
feel, for one moment, that she is the cause of inconvenience or trouble.
Even if she is, the fact must be sedulously concealed. Bear with the
annoyance until the visit ceases; then do not invite her again. It is the
hostess's privilege to invite; having invited she must not allow her
equanimity to be disturbed.
The guest should accommodate herself to the ways of the family. Especially
should she be punctual at meals and ready on time when going out with her
friends. Her host may acquire a dislike to her if she keeps him waiting.
She should always be neatly dressed, never appearing at the breakfast
table in kimona or dressing-jacket if men will be present. She should
respect the privileges of the host, not occupying his easy chair,
appropriating the newspaper or the best position round the lamp. She
should give as little trouble as possible and be especially careful about
scattering her belongings about the house. This particularly applies to
young girls, who are apt to be careless in this respect. It annoys a
hostess to find Missy's rubbers kicked off in the hall, her hat on the
piano, and a half eaten box of candy on the parlor sofa.
The guest, young or old, should take herself out of the way part of the
time; she shouldn't be always in evidence. Let her go to her own room and
write letters, read, or take her work out of doors; in other words, show
an ability to entertain herself which releases her hostess from that
responsibility for the time being. This is much better than having one's
friend in one's constant presence.
It is customary, on leaving, to give a small fee to the maid who has cared
for one's room, and to the waitress, if one is employed. Anyone who has
rendered personal service is generally remembered. A dollar is usually
given at the close of a week's visit: something depends upon the style of
the household. Men generally tip the chauffeur.
With kind remembrances to Mr. Blank and to Lois, who helped so much to
make me happy, believe me,
Yours most sincerely,
Mary Annesley.
The best personal asset a girl can have is "nice manners;" they will
contribute more to her lasting popularity than beauty or wealth. Girls
sometimes wonder how it happens that a girl they have regarded as "too
homely" to be accounted dangerous, still carries off the matrimonial prize
of "her set." Ten chances to one it is because she has that charm of
manner that makes a man overlook her physical deficiencies. Her manners,
in such case, are the spontaneous expression of a kind and generous
disposition, aided, of course, by a familiarity with the social code that
prevents awkwardness. She has ease, and that puts others at their ease;
she is companionable; and not being engrossed by her own good looks, she
has had time to cultivate the intellectual graces.
On the other hand, girls who undertake to show their respect for their
seniors sometimes overdo the matter. No elderly person likes to be "fussed
over." She doesn't want someone continually thrusting a cushion behind her
shoulders or insisting on providing a foot-stool. The unwelcome service
provokes a little resentment. One must have an intuitive sense of what to
do and when to do it, and tact enough to perform a trifling service
without the appearance of saying "See me! how polite I am!" As young men
should rise when an elderly woman enters the room, so a young girl may pay
the same pretty deference to her mother or an acquaintance. She should be
careful not to take precedence of older women, not to interrupt them when
speaking, and to render any small service unobtrusively.
A girl should not receive calls from young men without the presence of
some member of the family, her mother by preference, at some time during
the evening. A young man should not feel that the girl he calls upon is
not properly looked after by her parents.
The Girl and the Chaperon.--Youth scorns the chaperon, regarding her as
superfluous. "I can look out for myself," is the young girl's motto. Yet
scandal has dimmed the fair name of many a girl through her disinclination
to submit to proper chaperonage. The chaperon is much more of a social
necessity in the East than she is in the South and West. If a girl
proposes to "look ant for herself," there are some things she must
carefully abstain from doing. She must not go to a restaurant with a young
man alone; she must not travel about with him alone, even if she is
engaged to him; she must not go "on excursions" unattended, nor go for a
ride with a man and stop anywhere for refreshments; indeed, she should not
accept such an invitation unless another couple or another girl are
included in the party. This is not prudery; it is protection; and any
young man's acquaintance is not desirable if he objects to such
arrangements. He would not permit his sister to do what he asks some other
man's sister to do. A young man loses in respect for a girl if she holds
herself cheap.
The Girl and the Young Man.--Do not ask a young man to call on the
occasion of your first meeting. Young people often meet and make each
other's acquaintance when the girl's mother, whose place it is to give the
invitation to call, is not present. After several meetings the girl,
having ascertained the young man's antecedents, may say, if he seems
desirous of the invitation, "'My mother will be glad to know you," or
"Mother and I will be pleased to have you call some evening." The young
man should acknowledge the compliment by calling at an early date, and
should meet the girl's mother, The girl does not suggest when he shall
call, though she may mention that she receives calls on a certain evening.
She must not give him her card; if he is not sufficiently interested to
remember her address he probably does not intend to call.
It is not correct for girls to suggest a walk, ride, hint a wish to dance
or row, or tacitly invite a tete-a-tete. Let those who wish such favors
ask for them. The girl who shows herself most anxious for young men's
attentions generally receives fewest. Despite "the woman's movement," man
still insists on his privilege of taking the initiative.
About Gifts.--It is not correct form for a girl to receive presents from
young men, aside from flowers, candy and an occasional book or piece of
music. In some circles, to offer a girl a piece of jewelry would be
considered insulting. Not until he is engaged to her may a man offer
expensive presents. This rule, it is lamentably true, is often violated by
a certain order of young persons, who rather boast of the gifts of their
gallants, and are thus the object of rather unkind criticism.
As a rule, a girl makes a mistake when she sends a gift to a young man. It
is generally something that is as superfluous to him as a fifth wheel to a
wagon, and it entails an irksome sense of obligation. It is presumed, if
he has been very courteous and shown her many attentions, that it has been
his pleasure to do so, and her gracious acceptance and pleasure in them is
sufficient reward. A girl may give Christmas and birthday gifts to her
fiance, but he should not give her any article of wearing apparel except
gloves.
A wise girl will not give her photograph to any young man until she is
engaged to him. What nice girl would care to see her picture neighbored by
ballet dancers and footlight favorites in a young man's rooms! She will be
equally careful about corresponding with men, writing to but a few
intimate and long-known friends, making her letters bright and gay, but
carefully avoiding any warmer expressions of regard than those warranted
by the friendship. Many a girl has bitterly regretted the affectionate
missives sent to some young man who made "werry fierce love" to her for a
time, and whose regard afterward cooled. When the man she truly loves
comes along, she would give her most precious jewel to get those letters
into her hands again. It is a great deal safer not to write them.
"I sat down on the floor and read them over, and I tell you I was proud of
myself. There wasn't one I wouldn't have been willing to have my father
read--and you know what I think of my father!"
THE DEBUTANTE.
If Not a Belle.--But suppose a girl is not pretty enough, nor rich enough,
nor attractive enough to become a social success. She will suffer
countless mortifications. In society, as in business, "Nothing succeeds
like success." If she is popular, she will have a very happy time as
debutante. If she is not "a success," her chaperon will despair of her.
She will be partnerless when other girls have too many; she will have to
retire to the dressing-room, deeply humiliated because unescorted to the
supper-room. She will be a wall-flower while others dance. Young men are
very selfish; unless a girl has some claim to consideration, personally,
or they expect invitations through her parents, they often will selfishly
neglect her.
What shall she do in such a case? She will be happier and more contented
to give up the losing fight, find some sphere that is congenial, and
determine to adorn it. There are many kinds of belles; she may make
herself a belle of the home, a belle in out-door sports, a queen of the
chafing-dish. Far better these humbler triumphs than neglect and
unhappiness in the social world.
A girl looks forward to her debut with many joyous anticipations, but
often finds her second social season a happier one than her first. She is
more sure of herself, less shy and reserved; little things--the small
mistakes made through ignorance--do not worry her so much; she has gained
ease and grace of manner, having shed her self-consciousness.
"Dinner dances" have largely taken the place of balls, the latter having
seemingly passed into the hands of clubs and assemblies or being known as
"subscription dances." One must have a very large house, with ball-room,
to give a ball successfully, so it is customary to engage private
apartments at some fashionable restaurant or hotel, where there are
accommodations for such an affair.
GARDEN PARTIES.
The hostess receives on the lawn, and hats are retained. Games, like lawn
tennis, archery, croquet, should be provided. Guests wander about and
entertain each other, and seek the refreshment tables when so inclined.
The supper may be served under a tent or in the house. Seats are provided,
and rugs spread on the grass. No matter if the weather is unfavorable the
guests are expected to present themselves, as the hostess will quickly
transform her out-door fete into an in-door affair in case of rain.
Refreshments.--A hostess is not expected to use her best china and linen
at a garden party. She should have an ample supply of napkins, plates,
cups and silver, but the expense of hiring them from a caterer is offset
by the danger of breakage and loss.
She may serve salads, sandwiches, cakes, ices and ice creams, fruit, and
claret cup; or sandwiches, cakes, ice cream and lemonade and fruit punch.
Hot tea should be provided for those who prefer it, especially if rain
drives the guests in-doors. The young matrons are invited to pour it. The
maids should remove soiled dishes and napkins promptly, and keep the
tables looking fresh. Music is usually provided.
AT SMALL ENTERTAINMENTS.
Many small, informal entertainments are more enjoyable than those larger
affairs given for the purpose of paying off social debts. Good will and
jollity prevail, and people "go in for a good time."
Very often the hostess invites some of her friends who do not play cards
to come in for refreshments at half after four or five o'clock.
"STAG" DINNERS.
The woman who wishes to give her husband a birthday party or anniversary
will not go amiss if she makes it a "stag dinner"--that is, a dinner for
men only.
To this she invites as many of his men friends as she can accommodate, and
provides a good, substantial meal, without any "frills." It need not be
elaborate if everything is good of its kind, well cooked and served hot.
The menu may include oysters, roast fowl, two vegetables, several
relishes, and an entree, with some simple dessert and good coffee. She
will also see to it that the cigars are of the proper excellence. It is
optional whether she sits at the table till the coffee and cigars are
served, or stays in the kitchen to superintend the serving. Red is the
most appropriate color for decorations, since a man's ideas of color are
usually rather crude. Men always enjoy a dinner of this kind. The evening
may conclude with cards.
At a musical, guests are seated, the hostess remaining near the door to
welcome late arrivals. If these arrive while a selection is in progress,
they stand till it is finished, then find seats. Guests do not leave their
seats during the intermission, but converse with those in the vicinity.
Refreshments are always served. Hats are removed.
For a very informal tea the hostess sends her card with the date and hour
written across the lower corner. If a friend is staying with her, she may
write "to meet Mrs. A." at the top. She will offer a cup of tea and cakes
or wafers to each comer, or may ask some friend to do so for her, leaving
her free to mingle with her visitors. Simplicity and informality
characterize this form of receiving friends.
"The future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother."
--Bonaparte.
Children reflect the manners of their homes. As they learn to talk after
the fashion of their parents' speech, so they learn to be polite by
example, aided by training, and in both cases the habit of youth persists
in greater or less degree all through life.
The secret of success is beginning early. Before the baby is three years
old he should be in process of training. When he comes into the use of
spoon, knife and fork, he should be taught how to hold these properly, and
how to feed himself. He should never be permitted to play with his food;
out of that baby habit comes the later playing with crumbs, holding the
fork in the hand when not eating, drinking tea from a spoon, and other
little gaucheries resorted to in embarrassment or preoccupation. It is not
necessary to wait until a child is ten or twelve years old before teaching
him not to interrupt a conversation, and to make his wants known quietly
and without iteration, nor yet that your yea means yea, and your nay, nay.
Whether a child should say "father" and "mother," or use the more babyish
form of "papa" and "mama" is a matter of parental choice, but the
preference in some circles is for the former. A blunt "yes" or "no" is not
thought polite from a child; he should say "yes, father," "no, mama,"
"yes, Mrs. Smith." "Ma'am" as a form of address is quite obsolete.
CHILDREN'S PARTIES.
For children from five to twelve, the best hours for a party are from
three to half past five. This gives time for all to return home by six
o'clock. Few mothers wish to have their children out evenings at that age.
Where the children are old enough they should write their own invitations.
They should receive their guests themselves, the mother standing in the
background to see that they do it properly and to second their welcome.
The little host or hostess should early learn the lesson that she must
study the pleasure of her guests, not her own, and be taught the
courtesies required of her.
Games.--The first thing is the games, which are suitable to the children's
age. Little ones play romping games, like "Cat and Mouse," "London
Bridge," etc.; those a little older enjoy a peanut hunt or a peanut race,
or supplying the donkey with a caudal appendage. Many novel games are
possible. Or the children may be asked to a doll's party, or an animal
party. To the one they bring their favorite doll; to the other their teddy
bears and cotton elephants.
CONCERNING ENGAGEMENTS.
A girl should be very sure of herself before she gives her promise. She
must respect the man, and have faith and confidence in him, and not permit
herself to be carried away by considerations of wealth and position. If
there is anything about him she dislikes, she may be sure dislike will
become aversion after marriage, unless she has a genuine affection for
him.
In these days and in this country, young women take their matrimonial
affairs into their own hands. "In the good old times" the young man asked
the consent of the girl's parents before he was sure of her sentiments
toward him; he asked permission to woo, and if in his eagerness he
forestalled the etiquette of the occasion she modestly referred him to her
parents, first indicating her consent would accompany theirs. In the
twentieth century the young people too often settle the matter between
themselves, and announce their intentions to wed quite regardless of their
parents' sentiments on the subject. So many youthful attachments are
really youthful follies that the girl who submits her wishes to her
parents' counsel often has reason to consider herself fortunate. Girls,
however, almost invariably regard parental opposition as unreasonable;
actually it is often founded on a better understanding of their
temperaments and the character of the young men in the case than they
imagine--or in many cases can be made to see.
A manly man will approach the father of the girl he wishes to make his
wife, state his prospects, and ask the father's consent. If withheld, he
will not urge the girl into a hasty marriage, but will wait until the
opposition has diminished. In case this does not happen, the girl has at
least had an opportunity to learn her own mind. Many who have married
against their parents' wishes have lived happily; it must be admitted that
others have not. Delay, at least, gives time for reason to outweigh
romance.
It is especially awkward for the girl if the parents of her fiance do not
approve his choice. In such case she should give ample time for their
disapproval to have whatever effect it may on the young man's feelings
towards her. Some girls refuse to enter a man's family unless made
welcome.
No girl should engage herself to a man she has known but a short time;
certainly not without searching inquiry into his reputation in his former
place of residence. No man can reasonably object to such inquiries;
indeed, he should welcome them; invite them by furnishing credentials. No
matter how violently in love a girl may be, she should not throw prudence
and discretion to the winds.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ENGAGEMENTS.
The announcement of the engagement comes through the girl's family; the
man waits until it is their pleasure to make it known. The usual way is
for the girl and her mother to write notes to relatives and close friends.
The man, of course, will know when this is done, and may send notes to his
relatives and friends, or acquaint them by word of mouth, at the same
date. No special form is employed for such notes; they are always informal
and familiar.
All who receive notes are expected to call in person or send letters of
congratulation. Flowers are often sent, and dinners, theater parties, and
other entertainments given for the young couple. Engagement gifts are
often given; china being a favorite choice, though any gift is in order.
The Girl's Behavior.--The engagement ring is not worn until the engagement
is announced. If the young man's means permit, it is usually as handsome a
diamond solitaire as he can afford. No womanly girl would wish her fiance
to go in debt to purchase her ring. Should it be less handsome than she
had hoped or expected, she should not give the slightest evidence of
disappointment. That would seem mercenary and grasping. Nevertheless, a
girl does doubtless get much more joy out of her engagement ring than she
does out of her wedding ring.
Though a girl may receive from her affianced gifts of jewelry, silver,
etc., as well as the bonbons, books and flowers she was privileged to
accept before her engagement, it is not in good taste for him to offer any
article of wearing apparel to her. He is not to buy clothes for her until
after their marriage. Nothing that cannot be returned to him uninjured in
case the engagement is broken is really correct for her to receive.
She will naturally receive many notes, letters, etc., from her fiance,
especially if he is called out of town often, or resides in another city.
The inexperienced, very-much-in-love girl is quite likely to write very
ardent and affectionate letters. Leave that to the man. If she knows her
Thackeray she will remember the rose-colored billet-doux poor Amelia used
to write to her George, and which lay unopened day after day, and will
model her missives upon the style of Lucy Snowe's to the Professor--"a
morsel of ice, flavored with ever so slight a zest of sweetness." Let her
make them bright, chatty, kindly, but not too tender.
"Being engaged" does not relax etiquette. It does not justify a journey or
an excursion together, nor appearance in public places unchaperoned.
Lovers refrain from caresses or evidence of their devotion in the presence
of others; in short they should conduct themselves with decorum.
The Wedding Trousseau.--In case everything goes well when the wedding day
is set it is the custom to announce the engagement in the society columns
in the newspapers. The trousseau is nearly ready, the linen chest is
filled, the details of the wedding settled. It is not customary now for
the expectant bride to have dozens and dozens of undergarments, to be laid
aside, turn yellow and go out of style. One dozen of each garment is an
ample supply for the average bride; even half a dozen new garments of each
kind have been known to answer every purpose. She should have a moderate
supply of shoes, corsets, gloves, petticoats, both silk and cambric, and
handkerchiefs. Fashions change so rapidly now that it is foolish to lay in
a great stock of gowns. The supply of these must be in accordance with her
social position and its requirements. After she is married, she will find
her table-cloths and napkins, sheets, and pillow slips and towels a much
greater source of satisfaction than a lot of passe gowns and wraps. Her
silver and linen are marked with the initials of her maiden name. These
initials are always embroidered on the latter.
The supply of table and bed-linen will depend upon the size of her house
and the style in which she lives. Six sheets and six pillow and bolster
slips are allowed to each bed, and twelve towels, half of them bath
towels, to each bedroom. She should have dinner and lunch cloths, with
napkins to match; it is usual to allow a dozen napkins to each cloth. It
is good economy to purchase all these in a good quality. The dinner cloths
and napkins should be of double damask, so called. The very large dinner
napkins--seven-eighths of a yard square--are less in favor than the
medium, three-quarter size. A fairly ample supply of comforts, down and
silk quilts, and blankets, is often acquired by purchase before marriage.
WEDDING FESTIVITIES.
Very soon after the wedding invitations are out, the bride's friends
bestir themselves and a number of entertainments are planned in her honor.
These are dinners, luncheons, teas, and theatre parties, the latter often
prefaced by a dinner at the house of the hostess. Often these include the
bridal party--bridesmaids and "best man." To dinners and theatre parties
the bridegroom-to-be is invited; luncheons and teas are given by the
bride's friends to her. The bridegroom's bachelor friends frequently give
a dinner for him--a farewell to the man so soon to rank as "Benedict, the
married man."
These functions in honor of the bride are exclusive, rather than general,
invitations being restricted to familiar friends. The bride's relatives
are the entertainers. At such functions the bride expectant may wear one
of the gowns of her trousseau. Because of these entertainments, which are
really quite a tax on the girl's strength and vitality, the trousseau
should be complete and the wedding preparations well under way before they
begin. Most of them seem to be crowded into the week or ten days preceding
the ceremony.
Only intimate friends are asked to a linen shower and the occasion is
entirely informal. The invitations may be couched in this form:
At one long remembered shower, the centerpiece was a white linen parasol,
beautifully embroidered and the gift of the hostess. This, open, was
fastened upright, the block of wood which held it being hidden under
asparagus plumosus interspersed with pink roses. Under this were arranged
the several packages. Between each course the guest of honor was requested
to draw and open a parcel, the remainder being opened before leaving the
table. At another luncheon the gifts were brought in by a boy dressed as a
messenger, one at a time, as if just delivered. The surprise of the guest
at the first delivery greatly amused her friends. One guest contributed a
handsome lunch cloth, another the napkins to match, each marked with
embroidered initials. An embroidered white linen handbag, for use with a
white gown, was enclosed in a box about a foot square; within this was
another, neatly wrapped and tied, which, opened, contained another and
still another, keeping expectancy at its height. The "Jack Horner pie" has
been used, and the "showered" girl has been handed a white satin ribbon
and been bidden to follow where it led her, discovering at the end the
pile of presents.
Gifts for a linen shower may include towels of all kinds, the monogrammed
damask and initialed guest towels, embroidered linen pillow slips;
centerpieces, doilies, bureau scarfs and many other textile gifts suggest
themselves. The "kitchen shower" suggests the useful; the handkerchief
shower is dainty.
WEDDING PREPARATIONS.
Of course her wedding is the one pageant in which the girl is the central
figure--the admired of all beholders. It is quite natural for her to wish
it to be beautiful, to look lovely herself, and not to go empty-handed to
her husband. But no sensible girl will have a grand wedding if its cost
will put her father in debt. If Mary's music lessons must be intermitted,
or John's entrance into college postponed because of her trousseau and her
wedding, she should assume some of the sacrifice herself and be content
with a more modest outfit and a simple ceremony. Thousands of thoughtless
girls leave their families to recover slowly from the financial strain of
their wedding. It is selfish and inconsiderate for a girl to say, "You
will never have to do it again for me," or "I shall be no further expense
to you." That may be true, but it is no justification.
If the bride decides to have but one attendant, the latter is usually
styled her maid-of-honor, and may be her sister or her most intimate
friend. If she has more than one maid she should include the bridegroom's
sister, if he has one. If a matron-of-honor is to participate, she should
be a friend or sister of the bride who has been recently wedded. The
bridesmaids are chosen from her unmarried friends.
Who Pays?--The question is often asked, "Who pays, for" this, that or the
other item.
The bridegroom provides the marriage certificate, the wedding ring, pays
the clergyman, and for the carriage in which he drives away with the
bride. He sends a gift and the bouquet to the bride; usually gives gifts
of jewelry to the bridesmaids and the best man, and often includes the
ushers.
The bride's family pays for the wedding cards, pays the florist and the
caterer, the expense of opening the church and the service of the sexton;
the music, carriages for the bridal party, in short, the bills are for the
family to pay. Where a wedding is very elaborate, the details are
sometimes turned over to a "manager," who sees to everything, and receives
a fat fee for his services.
The Wedding Gown.--Choice of a wedding gown depends upon the style of the
wedding. At a church wedding it is as handsome as the bride can afford.
Any girl is excusable for wishing her wedding to be "an occasion," and her
bridal attire as beautiful as possible. White is suitable, and there are
so many fabrics in that color that all purses can be accommodated. The
gown may be of satin, crepe de chine, messaline, lace or chiffon, or of
simple white organdie; all are appropriate for a church wedding. With any
of these a veil should be worn. Two and a half yards of tulle will be
sufficient; other accessories are white kid gloves, white slippers and
white silk hose, if white is worn. White is suitable for the most
elaborate church wedding and for the simplest ceremony at home. The gown
is made en train, as a rule; always so for a church wedding, and always
with high neck and long sleeves.
A bride may elect to be married in a traveling dress. For this some pretty
light color, as light gray, champagne, tan or biscuit color is chosen. A
hat must be worn with such a costume, and for a young bride is by
preference trimmed with flowers. It is correct to carry flowers--not a
shower bouquet, however--with such a gown, which is to be changed for a
plainer one for actual travel. For this dark blue, brown, or gray are
suitable colors; gloves match, and the hat is inconspicuously trimmed. It
is the bride's greatest desire not to look "just married."
Later Wear of the Wedding Gown.--The wedding gown is worn at the more
formal of the post-nuptial entertainments. The trousseau should include an
evening dress and wrap. For the former, black lace, chiffon cloth or net
will prove the most serviceable, and almost universally becoming. A
traveling gown, a handsome suit for visiting, receptions, etc., a pretty
gown for receiving at home, and several house gowns will be needed.
Kimonas, bath-robes, dressing-jackets, are included in the less ornamental
parts of the trousseau.
A girl often invites her intimate friends to inspect her wedding finery,
rejoicing in their admiration. The privilege of such a view is highly
valued.
Bridal Flowers.--Orange flowers are reserved for the bride, and she never
wears any other in her hair, at least no other that are artificial. She
may carry any flowers, she prefers; the florists make all seasons alike.
Often an order is given months in advance for the bride's favorite flower
to grace her wedding, and the florist forces it to bloom at the appointed
time. White roses and carnations can be had at almost any season; sweet
peas, white lilacs, lilies of the valley, are less easy to procure. The
"shower bouquet" has many narrow white satin ribbons falling from it to
the foot of the skirt, and knotted at intervals round flower sprays.
The rarest of bridal flowers are the orchids, so costly that only the rich
may have them, though a few orchids, two or three, are sometimes put with
lilies of the valley, or Roman hyacinths, intermixed with stephanotis or
stevia, for the bridal bouquet. Bridesmaids may carry large clusters of
flowers tied with ribbons, the flowers suiting their costumes. Or, if they
all wear white, American Beauties may be chosen. The usual preference is
for flowers in more delicate hues.
The Widow's Bridal Attire.--A widow does not wear white at her second
wedding, nor a veil, nor does she have bridesmaids. Her usual choice is to
be married in a handsome traveling gown of some light color, wearing hat
and gloves to match. The material may be silk or broadcloth for a church
wedding. She wears her wedding ring up to the day of her second marriage.
Though she may have no bridesmaids she may have a matron-of-honor, some
married friend, who wears a street or reception dress, with suitable hat
and gloves.
A woman who has entered her fourth decade does not, as a rule, wear white
when married.
For a day wedding a man wears a black frock coat and gray trousers; his
waistcoat may match the coat or be of white duck or marseilles, white
shirt with standing collar, and tie of the fashionable cut in pearl gray
or soft white silk. Pearl-colored kid gloves are worn, and a silk hat. The
overcoat is black. A boutonniere of white flowers is usually worn.
The above is the correct dress for best man and ushers at a day wedding,
in church or at home.
Let us suppose that the church has been decorated with flower and palms,
arranged by experienced hands to form a background for the bridal party.
The seats for the respective families have been roped off with wide white
satin ribbons; those on the right for the bridegroom's family, those of
the left for the bride's. The bridegroom and the best man are with the
clergyman in the vestry; the bridesmaids have assembled at the bride's
house, and have entered their carriages; the relatives, including the
bride's mother, and guests are in their seats. The carriages containing
the bridesmaids precede that of the bride to the church; they alight and
await her in the vestibule. The bride, accompanied by her father, arrives.
The bridal procession is quickly formed, the vestibule doors having been
closed by the ushers on the arrival of the wedding party. At the signal
the organ breaks into the familiar strains of the wedding march; the
clergyman, followed by the groom and best man, enter from the vestry, and
stand on the chancel step facing the guests, awaiting the bride, the
bridegroom being slightly, in advance.
The ushers, walking two and two, lead the way up the aisle; the
bridesmaids follow at a distance of ten or twelve feet, also walking in
pairs; then comes the maid-of-honor, walking alone. She is followed by the
bride, leaning on the arm of her father or nearest male relative. At the
chancel the ushers separate to right and left, remaining below the chancel
step; the bridesmaids separate in the same manner, but ascend the chancel
step. The maid-of-honor places herself at the left of the place left for
the bride, in readiness to hold her bouquet and remove her glove. The
bridegroom descends the chancel step, meeting the bride. The two place
themselves before the clergyman, the bride standing on the bridegroom's
left; the best man stands at the right of the bridegroom a step or two in
the rear.
At the proper moment the maid-of-honor removes the bride's glove and takes
her bouquet. The best man gives the ring to the bride, who passes it to
the clergyman; the latter gives it to the bridegroom, who places it on the
bride's finger, holding it there while repeating the formula, "With this
ring I thee wed," etc. The significance of this transfer is the forming of
a circle, to indicate the endlessness of the contract.
The order of the procession after the ceremony is this: The just married
pair lead the way, the wife taking her husband's arm; the maid-of-honor
follows; then the bridesmaids, after them the ushers. Such is the conduct
of a church wedding, a thousand times repeated. The ceremony is often
rehearsed a night or two previous to the event, to make sure each will be
familiar with his or her part.
The Best Man's Duties.--The best man has charge of the ring. At the
conclusion of the ceremony he disappears into the vestry, where he places
the wedding fee, enclosed in an envelope, in the clergyman's hands. He
then hastens to his carriage and is driven to the house, where he assists
in the reception of the guests, and takes the maid-of-honor or the
bridesmaid to luncheon. Or he may escort the maid-of-honor from the
church.
The best man also sees to it that the agitated bridegroom's clothes are in
order, packs his suitcase, orders the baggage to be called for, buys the
tickets for the wedding journey and sees that they are in the bridegroom's
possession, and orders the carriage in which the newly wedded pair drive
to the station. He takes as many of the details of the affair as possible
off his friend's mind and hands, and stands by manfully to the last. The
best man should fully acquaint himself with the duties of his position
before assuming it The sexton of the church takes the groom's hat from the
vestry to the vestibule, and hands it to him at the door.
Duties of Ushers.--An usher escorts each lady to her seat, giving her his
arm. The guests should stand during the ceremony, rising as the procession
enters, and remaining in their seats until it has retired. The ushers
often pass ribbons along their seats, not removing them until the bridal
party and the relatives have left the church. Having seen the bridal party
to their carriages, the ushers return to escort the relatives to theirs,
and then hasten to the house, where they meet the guests on arrival and
escort them, severally, to the receiving party. The bride's mother
welcomes them first; they are then presented to the newly married pair.
The bride offers her hand; the guest wishes her much happiness,
congratulates the bridegroom, shaking hands the while, greets the
maid-of-honor and the bridesmaids with a smile and bow, and passes on,
making way for the next.
The wedding cake, neatly packed in white boxes bearing the monogram of the
bride and groom and tied with white satin ribbon, is arranged on a table
in the hall, and each departing guest takes a box. Wedding cake is no
longer sent.
Going Away.--When the last guest has been greeted, the bridal party may be
served with refreshments. Their supper is laid in a private room, and they
are seated, a most welcome rest after the fatigue of the ceremony and the
reception. The bride then retires to change to her traveling dress; the
bridegroom, who has had his valise sent to the house in the morning,
retires for the same purpose. The maid-of-honor accompanies the bride; the
best man assists the groom, and packs his suit worn during the ceremony,
either to be taken with him or to be sent to his home.
At the time agreed upon the bridegroom awaits the bride at the head of the
stairs. Adieus to the family are said in the bride's room and should be
brief. The bridesmaids and ushers are awaiting the departure in the hall.
Half way down the stairs the bride throws her bouquet. The bridesmaid who
catches it will be married next, according to the old superstition. The
bride and groom enter their carriage amid a shower of rice or confetti,
the carriage door bangs; the caterer has removed the debris of the feast;
the maids have restored the house to its wonted order and the wedding is
over--all except paying the bills.
Guests at a wedding do not remain until the departure of the bride. They
congratulate, partake of refreshments, chat a few minutes with friends,
and depart.
Cards bearing the date of the bride's "At Home" days, or "At Home
after"--a certain date, are enclosed with the announcement cards, or the
date named on the card. If sent they must be ready to mail immediately
after the wedding.
While the home wedding is modeled in its essentials along the lines of the
church wedding, much less formality is observed. The invitations to the
church wedding are always in the third person and engraved. Those for the
home wedding, though often following the same formula, may be informal
notes in the first person, written by the bride's mother.
If the bride wears a traveling dress she has a maid-of-honor, the one
attendant being so-called. The groom is attended by his best man. There
are usually two ushers, though these may be omitted, The maid-of-honor
wears some pretty costume which is in keeping with that of the bride. If
the latter wears white, the attendant also wears white with colored
trimmings. If the bride wears a veil, the maid wears a hat; the veil being
the head covering of the bride.
The bridegroom wears a black frock coat, gray trousers, white waistcoat
and tie, silk--not lawn, gray or white gloves, and patent leather shoes at
a day wedding, The ushers are similarly attired, save that they may wear
black waistcoats. Silk hats are worn.
Minor Particulars.--The bridegroom and best man will require a room. The
clergyman expects a room where he may don his surplice or gown. The ushers
may also require a room.
The bride's mother receives the guests, her father remaining with his
daughter to conduct her to the room where the ceremony is to be performed.
A mother may perform this office if the father is not living. After
placing his daughter's hand in that of the clergyman, the father steps
back a pace or two, awaiting the end of the service. Wedding music is
played when the party is ready to enter, and may be continued, very
softly, through the ceremony; it must not overpower the voices of the
participants.
Guests should arrive at the hour named, leave wraps in hall or dressing
room, and descend to the parlors. It is not expected that all will be
seated, though a few chairs are provided for the elderly. The ushers
stretch two lengths of white ribbon from end to end of the room, making an
aisle for the little procession.
The clergyman, groom, and best man enter and take their places at one end
of the room, when the music begins. Then come the ushers, next the
maid-of-honor, walking alone; then the bridesmaids, if any, followed by
the bride on the arm of her father. The groom steps forward to receive her
and the two face the clergyman. The best man stands on the bridegroom's
right. The maid-of-honor will hold the bride's bouquet and her glove, if
this is removed; the ring is in the custody of the best man.
The best man assists the ushers--whose first duty is to remove the white
ribbons--in escorting guests to the bride and groom. His duties are the
same as those of the best man at a church wedding.
The bride and bridegroom lead the way to the dining room, the best man
offering his arm to the maid-of-honor.
The bride's father escorts the bridegroom's mother, the guests follow in
such order as is convenient, and the bride's mother and the bridegroom's
father are the last.
The bride may cut her own cake if she chooses, or the wedding cake may be
dispensed in boxes as at the reception following a church wedding.
The departure of the newly wedded pair is on the order already indicated.
After the Wedding.--It may be said here that the "horse play"--for it is
nothing else--sometimes indulged in as "an after clap" to a wedding, in
which practical jokes are played on the pair, is not only unkind and
ill-bred, but in most execrable taste. To placard the luggage "Just
married;" to tie white ribbons on it and the carriage in which they are
driven away; to substitute a suitcase packed with the things a man doesn't
want on his journey for one containing what he does, is not at all
"smart."
Why should some coarse, ill-bred persons, whether they have or have not
been favored with invitations, strive to embarrass and make uncomfortable
those to whom the situation is already sufficiently trying? Why, after so
much pains and expense have been employed to make the occasion beautiful
and impressive, should the "practical joker" take it upon himself to spoil
it all by an ill-timed "pleasantry" which is the acme of rudeness and
discourtesy? It is a curious character that can enjoy perpetrating what
are really outrages upon other people's sensibilities.
Wedding Gifts.--Very soon after the wedding invitations are out the
presents begin to pour in. The fashion of gift giving on such an occasion
is not as prevalent as at one time; it was overdone, carried beyond the
limits of good taste, and of course a reaction was inevitable. Some men
profess to share the feeling of the Scandinavian immigrant who was so
deeply affronted at the offerings made by his bride's friends--as if he
were not able to furnish his home with the necessary articles--that in his
Berserker rage he was with difficulty restrained from casting gifts and
donors together into the street.
Generally speaking, only relatives and intimate friends send gifts, though
there is no interdict as regards others who may wish to testify to their
interest in the bride in this way. An ostentatious gift from a person not
in the family is in bad taste. The words "No presents" on wedding
invitations are in the worst possible form.
The question of the correct form of marking silver and napery often comes
up. The rule is to have it engraved with the initials of the bride's
maiden name--not the single initial of her family name, as is sometimes
ignorantly done--because it is her own private property. If a wife dies,
the silver bearing her name is packed away for the future use of her
child, especially if it is a girl. The second wife would be forbidden by
good taste and convention, from using the first wife's silver.
12 Canton Avenue.
My Dear Mrs. Bruce:
The beautiful cut glass vase sent by you and Mr. Bruce has just
arrived, and I hasten to thank you most sincerely for your kind
thought of me. It will be a constant reminder of your goodness to Mr.
Waters and myself, and a most lovely ornament to our new home.
Gratefully yours,
Marion Moore.
July tenth, nineteen hundred and nine.
The wedding gifts may or may not be displayed, according to the personal
preference of the bride. They are commonly shown to intimate friends. A
room is given up to their display. Cards are to be removed.
At a church wedding in the country the bride's friends must come to the
rescue, and their gardens be robbed to beautify church and home. Flowers
may be sought in the fields. Large jars of daisies, wild ferns, tall
grasses, autumn tinted boughs, or in the blooming season, boughs of fruit
trees, can be used most effectively. At one pretty home wedding the
decorations were boughs of the wild crab-apple in bloom, pink and pretty,
and kept so by having the stems inserted in bottles of water, suspended by
wires and concealed by other foliage. A large screen sometimes forms a
background for the bridal party. If covered with wire netting flowers can
be very easily attached.
Walls are not festooned; "wedding bells" and canopies are out of date. The
most approved setting is tall palms, ferns on standards concealed by a
lower grouping, with a few potted plants in bloom to relieve the
sombreness of the green. Large flowers like lilies, hydrangeas,
chrysanthemums and peonies are most effective. Tulips are often employed
at a spring wedding. One little country girl made good use of ordinary
field clover in decorating her home for her marriage.
After a wedding, the flowers are often sent to the hospitals, or to those
who are known to be ill, at the request of the bride.
Wherever a girl has a home, she should be married from it. This is her
due, as "daughter of the house."
She may make the simplest possible preparations; may be married in her
best dress, not new for the occasion. She may omit all attendants, and
invite less than half a dozen of her friends; she may receive them herself
and at the appointed hour simply stand up and be married to a blushing
young man in a business suit, and afterwards cut her own cake, and then
proceed to her new home, which may be a little flat or a cottage. But she
should have the ceremony performed by a clergyman in her father's house.
If she has no parents, no home, merely a room in a boarding house, she and
her affianced may go to a clergyman's house and be married there. The
church and the law should sanction the rite; therefore she will not permit
herself to be married by a magistrate or a justice of the peace.
As for "sneaking off" and being married without the knowledge of one's
parents, this is both disrespectful and unkind--a poor return for their
care of her.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES.
The first anniversary of the wedding day gives occasion for a paper
wedding; the second is cotton; the third leather. The fourth is omitted;
the fifth is the wooden wedding; next to be observed is the tin,
celebrating the close of the first decade. The next skip is to the china,
when twenty years have elapsed; and the quarter century of wedded
happiness is recognized in the silver wedding.
The wooden and tin weddings are occasions of great hilarity, and mean a
general frolic. The former began years ago with the gift of a rolling-pin
and a step-ladder. The gifts are of those practical, useful articles that
replenish the kitchen, though handsome gifts are of course easily
selected. Carved wooden boxes, handsome picture frames, articles of
furniture, are at the service of those who choose to pay their price.
Tin Weddings.--Gifts for the tin wedding are of course in that material,
and there is a wide range of choice. The tinsmith is often called upon to
manufacture fantastic articles, anything to raise a laugh. Thus one couple
were adorned, the wife with a set of tin curls, the man with a tin hat. A
tin purse enclosing a check for "tin" was once presented to a tin bride on
the occasion of her tin wedding. The freakish fancy of one's friends is
generally much in evidence at a tin wedding. As at the wooden wedding, the
bride cuts a wedding cake decorated with a monogram formed of the initials
of her own and her husband's name, and the year of the wedding and of its
anniversary. Refreshments may be served from tin dishes, and the guests
provided with tin plates.
As the couple who celebrate are generally in the prime of life, and their
friends of about the same age, a silver wedding is usually a very
enjoyable function. The many beautiful articles now made in silver afford
a wide range of choice in the way of gifts, both valuable and in those
inexpensive trifles that please everybody because so artistic. Silverware
is marked with the initials of the married pair, often enclosed in a true
lover's knot. Toilet articles, pomade jars, silver jewelry, spoons, silver
parasol and umbrella handles, picture frames in silver, rings and
bracelets, besides the manifold pieces for table use, offer a wide
individual range in choice and price.
The supper at a silver wedding is quite elaborate. The bride that was cuts
a wedding cake in which a silver piece is baked; the person who gets it
being expected to live to celebrate his or her silver wedding. Speeches
are made, often an original poem read, and not infrequently the health of
the pair pledged in a glass of wine.
Gifts in this precious metal are naturally circumscribed, but a gold coin
is apropos, particularly if Fortune has been chary of her favors. In the
seventh and eighth decade people have small use for bijouterie.
A golden wedding must be a sad anniversary to the participants. When they
were wedded, they were looking forward, joyously; now they recall the
past, its losses and trials and misfortunes. They remember the children
who are dead, or far away; or the prosperity once theirs, but now fled.
Few old folks would care to celebrate their golden wedding; it is usually
some well-meaning grandchild who sees in it "an occasion." Often, too, the
excitement, the fatigue, the unusual strain on mind and body, result in
illness which sometimes proves fatal.
Gifts.--Gifts for the anniversary wedding are sometimes sent the day
previous, sometimes carried in person. Anything fantastic is generally
presented at the gathering, to contribute to its hilarity. The silver
wedding gifts are nearly always sent in advance, and are displayed on a
table, the cards of the donor usually being left on them. The recipients
are to tender their thanks in person or by note.
The members of the bridal party, the more honored guests at the first
wedding, the clergyman who officiated, are sought as welcome guests at the
anniversary. The bride that was wears something she wore on the first
occasion. If the wedding dress and the bridegroom's suit have been
preserved they are worn--and wonderfully quaint they often look, so great
the change in fashion.
CHRISTENING CEREMONIES.
The arrival of the stork with the new baby is an event of vast family
interest, especially if it is the first visit of the bird to the domicile.
In America it is not customary to announce a birth in the newspapers, as
is often done in England, especially among the nobility. The personal
friends of the parents receive the visiting card of both, or of the mother
only, to which is attached a small card bearing the baby's full name and
the date of his arrival. These are enclosed in an envelope, this again in
an outer one, and mailed.
Most young married people prefer to have the clergyman who married them
christen their first baby, when practicable.
The godparents are expected to make christening gifts to the child on his
baptismal day. They are usually in the form of silver cups, porringers,
silver spoons, forks, etc.; these should be solid, never plated ware. If
the babe is named for one of its godparents, the latter is expected to do
something handsome in the way of a christening gift. Sometimes a bank
account is opened in the child's name, the sum deposited being left at
interest until he becomes of age.
The nurse carries the child into the church. Sponsors and parents group
themselves around the font, which is often decorated with white flowers.
The godmother has the privilege of holding the babe until it is time to
lay him in the clergyman's arms, the cap having been removed. The parents
make the responses; after the naming the godmother takes the little one
again, holding him until the close of the service. She should not wipe
away any of the water placed on the child's head. A good baby is expected
not to cry during the ceremony, and one advantage of an early christening
is that the little fellow is less liable to be alarmed at strange
surroundings.
The same forms are observed at a home christening, the hour being usually
in the afternoon.
A luncheon to which the clergyman and the christening party, and a few
friends if desired, are invited, customarily follows the church
ceremony--unless several children of other families are baptized at the
same time--and always follows the home christening. It is not unusual to
make some recognition of a clergyman's services at a church christening,
and always is in order at the home rite, though it is not expected as a
clergyman counts on his wedding fee.
MOURNING ETIQUETTE.
Conduct of Funerals--
So brief the span between our birth and death that the etiquette of burial
may fittingly follow that of the christening ceremony. It might be
supposed that the funeral, especially the private, could be conducted
without formality. But informality often means disorder, and simplicity
without order is confusion. There is no time where lack of order and
system so grate on one's nerves as at a funeral. The less "fuss" on such
an occasion the better, and for that reason, the routine of meals should
go on as usual, though no one seems to have the heart to eat them. Still,
it is in a way a comfort to most people to feel the chain of accustomed
habit; it brings a trifling sense of relief.
Save in the case of a person who has been prominent in the public eye,
there is no excuse, or reason, for any but a private funeral. Time was
when not to hasten to the house of death was thought unkind; not to attend
the funeral of an acquaintance a mark of disrespect. We have changed all
that. We do not expect the uninvited to attend our weddings and
receptions, why should they come at times of much more intimate and
personal emotion--those times when we can hardly endure the words and
presence of those we love best? What the sensitive have endured at the
hands--or tongues--of well-meaning but clumsy sympathizers--not
infrequently curious as well as sympathetic--only those who have suffered
can relate. In addition to the natural grief experienced, the members of
the family are usually worn out with nights of watching and days of
anxiety; it is a fresh strain to be obliged to see people, relate
sick-room details and listen to stereotyped condolences.
The Undertaker.--Cases are rare where there is not some "next friend" who
is competent to see the undertaker, and arrange details with him. In fact,
the undertaker may well be put in charge. He should be competent and
experienced. A clumsy, fussy undertaker is an affliction.
The Duties of the Next Friend.--The actual duties devolving upon the
person representing the family include ascertaining their wishes as
regards the officiating clergyman and his notification of their desire and
the hour of the funeral; for music, if any is desired; the selection of a
casket, and determining the number of carriages to be ordered. A written
list of relatives and friends who will go to the cemetery, arranged in
order of their relationship, four in a carriage, is given the undertaker
for his guidance in assigning those present to their places. The friend of
the family will accompany the undertaker to the cemetery if a lot must be
purchased, or he may go alone, the undertaker receiving his instructions
from the cemetery authorities. If any special position is desired for the
new grave, this will be definitely stated. With this knowledge, an
undertaker will conduct a burial so quietly and decorously that as a
bereaved wife once remarked, it was "a real comfort to have John buried."
She did not quite mean what she implied, however.
The House Funeral.--At the house funeral the family remains upstairs, or
is seated in the room with the casket, the former more customary. The
clergyman stands at the head of the casket, or in the doorway, that his
voice may be heard. At the conclusion of the service, those not going to
the cemetery quietly disperse; the carriages drive up; the undertaker in a
low voice assigns the relatives to them in proper order, and the cortege
moves off. At the grave, the remainder of the solemn service is read, the
casket lowered, and all is over.
[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 751]
MOURNING GARMENTS.
It is well to look over one's wardrobe to see what garments may be colored
for use during the period of mourning. The art of the dyer has made such
progress that very satisfactory results are obtained, and quite wealthy
people do not hesitate to resort to this expedient.
All dress materials for mourning wear have a dull finish. Henrietta,
imperial serges, tamese cloth and nun's veiling are the standard fabrics.
A lusterless silk is sometimes employed, also crepe de chine.
Crepe is used as a trimming only during the first period of mourning. Hats
have almost entirely replaced bonnets, except for elderly widows, who
often adopt the close-fitting Marie Stuart bonnet, with the white ruche
inside the brim. A long veil of fine silk nun's veiling is worn with this,
with a tulle or net face veil with a narrow fold of crepe. Veils of crepe
or nun's veiling are not worn over the face except at the funeral.
Hats with crepe folds and trimmings, with veils arranged to fall in folds
in the back are usually selected; with them is worn a plain net face veil.
Dotted veils are not mourning. Black furs, lynx, fox or Persian lamb are
worn.
Many women wear narrow lawn turn-over collars and cuffs; they are
hemstitched, with no other decoration. Black-bordered handkerchiefs are no
longer carried; if, however, one's woeful trappings must extend to this
detail, the narrower the edge the better.
All white may be worn in summer during the later period of mourning, but
combinations of black and white are not mourning; thus a white dress with
black ribbons is not correct.
Jewelry (in gold), ostrich feathers, velvet, lace, satin, and jet
trimmings, except in dull jet, are barred. One may wear a diamond or pearl
ring or two, but no colored jewels set in rings. Some women have outer
shells made in black enamel to enclose diamond ear-rings they are
accustomed to wearing.
If one wears mourning, she should hold to the correct form. If, however,
she elects to wear black, more license is permitted her. Whatever is done,
should be consistent. Thus if she simply adopts black she may have a net
or all-over lace yoke in a gown, may wear hats with wings and quills or
fancy feathers in black, or black flowers--which are botanical
monstrosities--whereas in correct mourning she could not.
Young girls need not wear mourning as long as an adult does, nor do they
wear crepe, unless it be a hat with crepe trimmings, or one with ribbon
bows and face veil with crepe border. It seems as unnecessary as it is
unkind to put young children into black.
Mourning for Men.--Custom sets more lightly upon men than upon women in
the matter of mourning. Here, as elsewhere, the details of etiquette
devolve upon women. A widow would incur censure if she married within two
years after her husband's death; indeed, if her marriage followed soon
after the expiration of that term, Mrs. Grundy would infer some
surreptitious courting had been going on. A man, however, may marry again
after a year has elapsed. A widower would abstain from society and the
theater for six months. A parent is mourned for a year.
The correct attire for men is a black suit, black gloves and tie of
grosgrain or taffeta silk, and a black band upon his hat. The tailor
adjusts this hat band with scrupulous nicety to the depth of his
affliction. It is deepest for a wife; it diminishes mathematically through
the gamut of parents, children, brothers or sisters.
The widower is not expected to wear mourning for two years, unless he
prefers to do so. If he goes into the niceties of the garb he will wear
black enamel shirt studs and cuff buttons, and a plain black watch fob.
After a year he may wear a gray suit, retaining the black accessories.
The custom, followed in some circles, of wearing a black band on the left
coat sleeve, is to be emphatically condemned. The place for the band is on
the hat. If not placed there, let it be nowhere. On a gray or tan coat the
effect is startling. The custom of wearing such a band as emblem of
mourning for a fellow member in a lodge, or any organization, whether worn
by man or woman, is more honored in the breach than the observance. Better
drape the departed member's seat in black, or hang crepe on the charter
than follow this foolish fad.
In town, friends call at the door to make inquiries. Unless very intimate,
they do not expect to see any member of the family. Cards are left, and it
is correct to write "To inquire" on the card. If death follows, cards are
properly left, either before the funeral or within a week after the event.
Upon these may be written "with deepest sympathy." One does not ask to see
one of the family. Cards of this character are often sent by mail, and are
acknowledged within three weeks by sending one's visiting card with narrow
black edge and envelope to match. Across the top of the card is written
"With grateful appreciation of your sympathy," or "It is a comfort to feel
that we have your sympathy in our loss." Cards are sometimes especially
engraved for this purpose. Such cards have a mourning border and are
enclosed in an envelope and mailed. One's visiting card, with narrow black
edge and black-bordered envelope, is sent in acknowledgment of invitations
to weddings, receptions, etc. If a note is necessary in reply to an
invitation, it is written on note-paper having a narrow mourning border,
and follows the customary formula, the border being an indication of the
reason it is declined.
In case the request "Kindly omit flowers" is made in the obituary notice,
the wish of the family should be observed.
"Letters should be easy and natural, and convey to the persons to whom we
send just what we would say if we were with them."--Chesterfield.
They say nobody has time to write letters these days, and yet the post
office department handles millions of them each year. True, they are not
the formal, lengthy, somewhat stilted epistles of a century ago, when a
lad began his home letters "Honoured Parents," and your correspondent
announced, "I take my pen in hand to inform you," etc. The letter of
today, however, is not less the messenger of good-will and remembrance
than it was in those days. It remains largely the bulletin of business and
of family affairs.
The postman's bag! What may it not contain? News of birth or tidings of
death, of lover's vows made or broken, of achievements or misfortunes.
Every letter is like a new day; we cannot tell what its message may be.
Use a good black ink. Violet and purple inks are as passe as colored
stationery. There is a certain writing-fluid, bluish when first used, and
turning black after a few hours' exposure, that is standard.
Take pains to make your signature easily decipherable. Remember that while
a word may be puzzled out by the context, or by the analogy of its letters
to others, the signature has no context, and is often so carelessly
written that the letters composing it are indistinguishable. One should be
particularly careful in this respect where writing business letters or
letters to strangers.
The character and (&) is never to be employed. "Hon.," "Dr." and "Rev."
are permissible on an envelope; "Rev. Father" is incorrect; write "Rev."
We do not use "Esq." in America as much as it is used in England, where it
is always employed in addressing a letter to an equal, "Mr." being
reserved for tradesmen. Here we use "Mr." almost entirely. Christian names
are not abbreviated in an address; one should write "George" or "Charles"
rather than "Geo." or "Chas."
A woman uses her husband's full name on her cards. The man, in signing
himself, writes his full name "Henry Pond Morris" or "R. P. Morris,"
rather than "Henry P. Morris."
The postscript has been laughed out of existence. If a few words must be
added the "P. S." is omitted. Dodging about on the pages, from first to
third, then to second and fourth, is to be avoided. Don't write across
your written pages; a plaided letter is so difficult to decipher that one
is justified in destroying it unread. One is supposed to have sufficient
letter paper on hand. A half sheet should never be used as a means of
eking out an epistle. Don't send a blotted, smeared letter.
Make it a point to re-read the letter you are about to answer, and take
pains to reply to any questions your correspondent may have asked. Nothing
is more maddening than to make several important inquiries and find them
wholly ignored while your friend tells you how busy she is, how many
engagements she has in the future, how tired she is, and prefaces these
uninteresting details with a long apology for her silence. Who was it said
"An apology is a mistaken explanation"?
"To write a good love-letter you ought to begin without knowing what you
mean to say, and finish without knowing what you have written." Then,
having unbosomed yourself, don't send it.
Don't read your letters to others, unless they are family letters in which
all may rightly have a share. A letter is a private communication.
The safest way is to keep a letter till it is answered, then destroy it,
This does away with a lot of useless lumber.
Letters of Congratulation and Condolence.--It is not possible to give
forms for letters of this character. They are meaningless unless they come
from the heart, and should be characterized by sincerity. Nevertheless,
they should be written, and promptly, as also letters of acknowledgment of
gifts, favors offered, and the "bread-and-butter letter"--the missive you
write to your hostess after a few days' visit. Letters of condolence are
especially difficult to write. One so fears to wound instead of
comforting. If one can offer some quotation that has been a personal help
in time of sorrow, it is often gratefully appreciated. But because we
"don't know what to say" we must not omit writing. The letter is often a
greater kindness than the call, which is a tax upon the strength of the
mourner.
"The path of sorrow, and that path alone, leads to the land where sorrow
is unknown; no traveler ever reached that blessed abode who found not
sorrows in his road."
"Wherever souls are being tried and ripened in whatever commonplace and
homely way, there God is hewing out the pillars for His temple."
Do not think you must write a long letter. A few well chosen phrases,
sincere expressions of feeling, are more grateful to one who grieves. One
may say:
My dearest Friend:--
It is with sincerest sorrow I have just heard of your great
bereavement. I cannot hope to comfort you; God only can do that, but I
want to say how deeply and tenderly I feel for you in your sad
affliction.
Believe me, most faithfully yours,
I have just heard of your engagement to Mr. Blank, and wish to be among
the first of your friends to express my sympathy with you in your
happiness. I have known Mr. Blank for some time, and greatly admire his
many good qualities. I am sure you are very happy with him, and will be
more so as you grow together in marriage. Hoping good fortune and joy may
always be your portion in life, and present bliss an earnest of more in
store for you, I am,
Most sincerely yours,
"Politeness and good breeding are absolutely necessary to adorn any or all
other good qualities or talents."--Chesterfield.
There has been no time in the history of the world when good manners
counted for more than at the present. This is true of both men and women.
It is so true that in certain fields it is practically impossible to
succeed without their aid. The value of a pleasing manner can hardly be
overestimated. Such a manner is as far from the self-assurance and
presumptuous familiarity which some men assume under the idea that these
are impressive, as night is from day.
The rich boor is despised in spite of his money. The poor man may be
popular because of his pleasing personality and his fine manner.
Here is where the mother's work in the early training of her sons comes
in. Taught from childhood, by example and precept, the observances that
make for good manners, the young man wears them as easily and as
unconsciously as he does his clothes.
The first rule a man should observe in regard to his hat is never to wear
it in the presence of women, save in the open. If mothers would take the
trouble to train their small sons to rigid observance of the rule of
removing their head covering the moment they enter the house there would,
be fewer adults guilty of this particular discourtesy, which is at once
the greatest and the most common. One occasionally sees a man wearing his
hat and preceding a woman down the aisle of a theatre.
The expression, "tipping the hat," is a vulgarism. A man doesn't "tip" his
hat, he raises it quite off his head.
A man wears his hat on the street, on the deck of the steamboat, in a
picture-gallery or promenade concert-room. He removes it in a theatre, the
opera-house, and the parlors of a hotel.
When to Raise the Hat.--Men raise their hats to each other on the street.
They extend the same courtesy to all members of their family, of both
sexes. A well-bred man raises his hat to his little daughter, as he would
to his wife.
On the street, a man must wait for a lady to recognize him, but should be
ready to remove his hat simultaneously with her greeting, raising and
replacing it quickly. The fashion of removing the hat after meeting a lady
is absurd. How does she know the courtesy has been extended?
If he meets a man walking with a lady whom he does not know, he waits the
man's recognition.
A man removes his hat in an elevator if women enter or are already inside.
This rule is often ignored in large public buildings.
A man when driving or motoring cannot remove his hat. He bends forward
slightly and touches his hat brim with his whip, held upright, in the
first case, and raises his hand to the visor of his cap in the latter.
Men raise their hats and stand uncovered as a funeral cortege passes into
the church or from a house, and at the grave.
They also stand uncovered when the United States flag is borne past, or
the national hymn--the "Star Spangled Banner"--is played in public, at a
military review, etc.
Hat and Coat When Calling.--When calling, the man looks after his own hat,
overcoat and stick. His hostess does not offer to relieve him of them, nor
suggest the removal of his coat. He deposits his hat and stick on table or
seat in the hall before entering the drawing-room, and takes off his
overcoat if his call is to be prolonged. Or, he may take them all with him
into the drawing room if his call is to be brief. In any event, it is his
business to dispose of them according to his own pleasure.
A man precedes a woman in going down-stairs and follows her in going up.
This is that he may be in readiness to catch her should she fall.
The question is sometimes asked who should follow the usher on entering
church or theatre. The rule above stated obtains. The woman follows the
usher; the man follows her.
The man allows the lady to enter the carriage first, but descends before
her that he may assist her to alight. The same rule prevails in regard to
entering and leaving a street car, etc.
ABOUT SMOKING.
The old rule of good manners: "A gentleman does not smoke in the presence
of ladies," is many times violated in these modern times. There is a story
of an elderly woman who, being asked if smoke was offensive to her,
replied: "I do not know. No gentleman has ever smoked in my presence." The
woman of today is more likely to answer "Oh, dear no! I love the odor of a
good cigar." The truth is the cigar has become such a constant and
apparently necessary adjunct to a man that to banish it is in effect to
banish the man. And women prefer to endure the smoke rather than have the
man absent himself. There are very few cafes and restaurants where men do
not conclude their repast with a good cigar, even when entertaining
ladies.
Where Not to Smoke.--Nevertheless, there are times and places when and
where a man should not smoke. When he is about to meet a lady he knows he
removes his cigar before removing his hat and bowing. If he wishes to join
the lady, walking a short distance with her, he throws away his cigar
before doing so. He does not smoke, when driving with a lady, unless
possibly in the country. He should not smoke when walking with her--but he
often does, with her full consent and permission. In fact, women, as has
been said, are responsible for men's lapses in the way of smoking.
A guest does not smoke in his host's house unless especially invited to do
so, by his host, not some younger member of the family or another visitor.
At a dinner party at which ladies are present, men do not smoke until the
ladies have left the dining-room.
In most homes, nowadays, men are permitted to smoke "all over the house."
It is better, wherever possible, to let the man have a "den" where he may
smoke with his friends. The practice of smoking in bedrooms is
reprehensible; the air one will breathe through the night should not be
vitiated.
BACHELOR HOSPITALITY.
Being a bachelor does not excuse a man from certain forms of hospitality.
Many "society men" live in apartments, at the present time, and may
entertain the ladies who have favored them with invitations; in fact, it
is expected that a man who has often been entertained will reciprocate in
some fashion.
The Bachelor and the Chaperon.--The first thing the bachelor must do is
to secure a chaperon. She must be a married woman of unimpeachable
reputation. Having done this, he invites the other members of the party,
first submitting his list to her approval. The usual number is six, three
men and three women, or two men and four ladies. Two men may join forces
to entertain a quartet of ladies, or more, and thus halve the expense. The
carriage or taxicab is sent first to the residence of the chaperon; the
host accompanies it or may meet it there. The other ladies are called for,
the other men generally meet the carriages at the theatre. The host sits
next the chaperon at the theatre and at the supper, placing her on his
right.
If a supper is to follow, and it almost always does, the host has reserved
a table at the hotel or cafe and has perhaps ordered flowers and a special
menu in advance. He has also settled the account, so that he has only to
cross the waiter's palm with silver at the conclusion of the repast, in
acknowledgment of faultless service.
In Village Society.--In small towns and in the country, the young man
would ridicule the idea of having a chaperon along. He seldom considers
the question of repaying social invitations, or paying calls after an
entertainment. He should be careful to show courtesy to the host and
hostess, to dance with the latter and her daughter at a dancing party, and
may escort mother and daughter or the mother and some one of her friends,
to a lecture or concert. Generally he ignores all claims of this
character. But he should not.
Should He Offer His Arm?--A man seldom offers a woman his arm nowadays,
unless she is so elderly or infirm that she needs the support. For a
couple to walk arm in arm in daylight is decidedly provincial. For a man
to take a woman's arm is a liberty not permissible unless she is a member
of his family. He should offer his arm if holding an umbrella over her at
night, on a poorly lighted street or a country road at night. A woman,
unless very infirm or ill, should not walk arm-in-arm with a man in
daylight.
The Outside of the Walk.--A man usually walks on a woman's right, in order
to protect her if necessary, It looks absurd, however, for him to be
dodging around her to keep on the outside of the walk unless some danger
is to be encountered.
When a man escorts a woman to her home it is not correct for him to linger
at the door. He should accompany her up the steps, ring the bell and wait
until she is admitted. If the hour is at all late he should not enter,
even though invited.
The man who attends an afternoon tea should leave a card for each lady
mentioned in the invitation, and for the host, whether the latter was
present or not. He must send the same number of cards if unable to be
present, enclosing them all in an envelope which fits the cards,
addressing it to the hostess, and mailing it so that it will be received
on the day of the function. He must call upon his hostess within two weeks
after an invitation to a dinner or ball.
If, when calling on a lady, another visitor arrives, the first comer must
not attempt to "sit him out." He should make his adieux within a
reasonable time after the second arrival, even though a friend in more
intimate standing.
Bad Habits.--A man should carefully avoid mannerisms, such as twisting his
mustache, fussing with his tie, fidgeting with some little article taken
from a table, as a paper knife, etc. These awkwardnesses are the outcome
of nervousness. He should strive at all times to be simple, at ease, and
unconscious of himself. If he tries to "show off" he makes himself
obnoxious.
"The best possible impression that you can make with your dress is to make
no impression at all; but so to harmonize its material and shape with your
personality that it becomes tributary in the general effect, and so
exclusively tributary that people cannot tell after seeing you what kind
of clothes you wear."--Holland.
MEN'S DRESS.
The cutaway coat is correct for church wear. In summer it largely takes
the place of the frock coat, which, with the silk hat, is usually "out of
season," so to speak, from about the middle of May until about the same
time in September. Straw or felt hats are worn.
Tweed flannel and cheviot suits are favorite summer wear for men, Flannel
trousers, white with flannel shirt and leather belt, constitute the usual
wear for tennis, golf, etc., and blue cheviot or serge for yachting.
After dinner evening clothes--the "dress suit"--are worn. This has been
fully described in the chapter on wedding etiquette, under the head of
correct dress.
The Tuxedo is a dinner coat, hence never seen before six o'clock; it must
not be worn at a theatre party, or if a man escorts ladies. It may be worn
in summer at informal dinners, and at summer hotels. Silk hat, white
waistcoat, or white lawn tie are not correct wear with a Tuxedo.
The real beauty of dress resides in being suitably gowned. Suit the attire
to the time and place. Fashion prescribes and regulates styles; etiquette
settles the appropriate garb for the occasion. Every detail, from shoes to
hat, should be harmonious and suited to the occasion and consequently to
the hour of the day. But how many, many violations of this rule we see!
Ostrich feathers worn with shirtwaists; low shoes on the street; dressy
hats in the morning; jewels at breakfast--all inappropriate and unrelated!
The correct street wear in the morning in the winter is a tailored suit
with medium sized hat in felt or beaver, walking shoes, and rather heavy
gloves in glace kid. More elaborate suits or gowns in fine smooth cloth or
velvet are worn at afternoon functions, for calling and receptions. One
does not choose light or showy colors for these if she must walk or take a
street car. Ostrich feathers can be worn on the velvet or satin hat that
accompanies this costume, which is completed by patent leather shoes and
white or pearl-gray gloves.
No "nice" woman wears a low gown when dining at restaurant or hotel. The
neck may be cut low, under a lace yoke, unlined, and the sleeves finished
from the elbow with lace. Hats are worn.
One chooses a handsome velvet or other dressy material for a dinner dress,
and wears with it her rarest jewels. Good taste and modesty forbid too
lavish a display of shoulders. As a rule, in our average social life, the
unlined lace yoke and collar and lace sleeves are preferred for dinner
wear, the decollete gown being reserved for balls and cotillions.
Young girls' dancing gowns are never cut very low; the "Dutch" neck and
the slightly low round cut being preferred. A string of pearls, a fine
gold chain and locket, or gold beads, which have been restored to favor,
are the usual ornament.
For theatre wear, where one is not to occupy a box, one may wear a
handsome reception gown, or a handsome bodice and skirt. Shirt and
lingerie waists are not appropriate theatre wear, unless one patronizes
some second-class house of amusement.
Neat gloves and good shoes are items of dress not to be disregarded by the
woman who wishes to look well dressed. Shabby gloves are ruinous to a
well-dressed appearance.
The woman who has been "dressy" in her youth must curb her fancy as she
grows older, and carefully avoid things that are "too young" for her. She
may "love pink" or pale blue, and because she could wear it when a girl,
unwisely clings to it in her fifth and sixth decades. A bedizened old
woman dressed in a fashion suitable for one twenty years younger, is a
sight more pitable than admirable. She must not permit the milliner or
costumer to convince her that she is still young enough to "wear anything"
but must try to have sense enough to distinguish what is suitable from
what appeals to her because she would have looked well in it in her youth.
Simplicity should be the guide as to styles. Leave the fussy and elaborate
to younger women, and adopt a dignified simplicity.
DUTIES OF A CHAPERON.
"The art of not hearing should be learned by all." Young America flouts
the chaperon. The young girl of the middle class guesses she can "look out
for herself," and knows "how to behave." Very often she doesn't know, and
sadly demonstrates her lack of the knowledge of life and good sense that
would enable her to avoid situations that create gossip. In European
society the chaperon is indispensable and has an acknowledged and honored
position. In America, young women ridicule the idea and young men are
decidedly impatient of her presence. And yet in our more conventional
circles it is understood that she is a protection to the girls in her
charge, and an oft-needed restraint on young men who are inclined to be
too free and familiar.
Chaperon's Lot Not Easy.--The duties of a chaperon are so onerous that she
deserves much gratitude, rather than revilement, for undertaking them. She
must stay at balls and parties when she would infinitely prefer her bed;
she must frequent places of amusement that are tiresome to her but
agreeable to her young charges; she must remain in the parlor, or in the
adjacent room separated only by draperies from it, while the girt
entertains men callers, and no woman enjoys being "gooseberry;" she must
check too high spirits and prevent "loud" behavior. And she will many
times know that her presence is resented, and sad to say, endure slights
in the discharge of her duties.
Avoid Espionage.--And yet, with all this responsibility, the chaperon must
avoid anything like espionage. She must not open letters; she must not be
prying and inquisitive; she must not give reasons for the girl she
chaperons to regard her as "a dragon."
The Girl and the Chaperon.--A girl should remember that her chaperon
stands in the relation of a mother to her for the time being, therefore
any disregard of her chaperon's suggestions or wishes is the same as
disregarding her mother's. No well-bred girl ever does this--well, at
least not publicly. If her chaperon gently intimates that it is time to go
home, that she is dancing too many times with the same man, or "sitting
out" too long, she should cheerfully comply with the hint. She should not
vanish with an escort, leaving her chaperon and others--to wonder at her
absence, but at the close of every few dances, before the beginning of
another, ask to be taken to her chaperon. There her next partner will
naturally look for her.
She must at all times treat her chaperon with the utmost respect and
deference, remembering the lady is bestowing a favor by taking charge of
her, and that it is often at her parents' request.
The girl who works, the art and music student, may look after herself, but
the society girl must submit to the thralldom of the chaperon.
When a girl receives a young man visitor, her mother should always meet
him. She should enter the parlor, be introduced if he is a stranger,
converse for fifteen or twenty minutes, and excuse herself, leaving the
young people to their tete-a-tete. No girl ever loses a young man's
estimation through being properly looked after.
"It isn't so much what you do; it is how you do it. Not so much what you
think as how you clothe your thoughts that enables you to make a pleasant
impression."
Among the words that are bad form we find "folks," used instead of
"family" or "relatives." "Ain't" is one of the most common improprieties
of speech and one that has no standing whatever in good language.
"Gentlemen friend." "lady friend," are vulgarisms. We should not speak of
young men as "fellows."
Those in the most advanced grade of a high school, and those in college
are students; while scholar signifies those who are learned and out of
school. "Dresser," "bureau" and "dressing case" are incorrectly applied to
a chest of drawers. "Vest" for "waistcoat," and "dress suit" for "evening
clothes" are incorrect. "Visitors" is in better taste than "guests." "Got"
is a word often used superfluously and always inelegantly. "I have it"
sounds much better than "I have got it"; leave out "got" wherever you can.
As for "gotten"--it ought to be unspeakable.
"Don't" for "doesn't" is, perhaps the most common grammatical error. "I
don't," "you don't," "they don't,' are correct. "Don't" is a contraction
of "do not." You wouldn't say "he do not," "she do not," would you? Then
don't say "he don't," or "she don't."
As a rule the simpler the speech the better. "Residence" for "house,"
"peruse" for "read," "retire" for "going to bed"--all these and their like
sound stilted.
The use of French words and phrases is to be avoided, both in writing and
speaking. Generally they are mispronounced--as in the case of the very
affected lady who spoke of "Mrs. Brown, nee Smith," pronouncing "nee" as
if spelled "knee."
It has already been said that we do not address a wife by her husband's
title. He is Dr. Brown; she is Mrs. Brown. Mrs. General, Mrs. Judge, are
not current in polite circles.
SUBJECTS OF CONVERSATION.
No one can tell another person what to talk about. Advice on that subject
is valueless. There are some things we may do, however, to make ourselves
agreeable in conversation. We may study the art of expressing ourselves
clearly,--saying what we wish to say without circumlocution. Some people
seem to begin in the middle of a subject and talk both ways.
Some Things to Avoid.--A man should avoid raving over the perfections, the
beauty or chic of one woman to another. He shouldn't talk golf to one who
doesn't know the language of the game, nor discourse on music to the
unmusical. Above all, he shouldn't undertake to entertain the whole
company, nor introduce a topic in which he only is interested or informed.
The more serious questions of life are barred in society; people wish to
be amused, not instructed. An inveterate talker, especially one of a
didactic turn, is a bore. So is the man who puts a hobby through its
paces. Avoid exaggerations in conversation, also extravagances, such as
"beastly this" or "awfully that," also avoid over emphasis. Don't talk in
italics.
CHURCH ETIQUETTE.
Surely the church is the place where one day's truce ought to be allowed
to the vanities, the dissensions and animosities of mankind.--Burke.
NEIGHBORHOOD ETIQUETTE.
A neighbor has no more right to enter without knocking than any other
caller, whether by kitchen or front door. It is an intrusion, a disregard
of the reserve that should characterize neighborly intercourse. No matter
how friendly, friendship will last longer where the forms of decorum are
observed.
There is little excuse in the city for the borrowing of kitchen staples
which is the bane of some country neighborhoods. A borrowing neighbor is
an affliction--a nuisance which unfortunately doesn't come under the
jurisdiction of the Board of Health.
CARRIAGE ETIQUETTE.
Minor Items.--The rule that the owner of the carriage occupies the
right-hand seat even when accompanied by a guest, is almost universally
observed. The only exception seems to be when the guest is a person of
unusual distinction.
If a lady invites a friend to pay calls with her, dropping her companion
to call on some acquaintance while she goes on to see a friend of her own,
the lady thus favored must not keep her waiting on her return, more than
the few moments necessary to make her adieux.
CIVILITY IN PUBLIC.
Many people carry an umbrella with utter disregard of the eyes and
headgear of the passing crowd. Closed, it is tucked under the arm, the
ferrule projecting behind on a level with the face of a pedestrian. They
go through a heavy door, pushing it open for themselves and letting it
swing back against the next comer. They step in advance of those who have
prior claim to be shown to seats, and accept civilities and service
without so much as a "Thank you." They endeavor to obtain "something for
nothing" by piling their luggage into seats they have not paid for on the
train; on the boat they fortify themselves in a circle of chairs that are
"engaged"--generally to hold their wraps and lunch-boxes, while others
look in vain for seats.
Of course all these rude people excuse themselves by saying they "get
left" if they don't "rush," and that they "paid for their seats," as if
this atoned for their disregard of those who, equally with themselves,
have paid for a pleasure spoiled for them by the greed or impertinence of
their fellow men--and women.
In many large and well-to-do households in this country only one maid, the
"girl for general housework" is engaged, the mistress and her daughters
assisting with the lighter parts of the work. In such case each must have
a certain definite portion of the daily duties and be responsible for its
performance. Very few maids are capable enough to do all the work of a
good sized family without assistance, even though the linen be sent to the
laundry.
The One Maid.--Where but one maid is kept she must rise early and put in a
couple of hours' work before breakfast, airing the house and perhaps
putting in order and dusting the living rooms, then preparing breakfast.
She will probably serve it unless everything is put on the table, in which
case she may busy herself in the kitchen, washing the rougher dishes used
in preparing the meal. The mistress of each household must make out her
own schedule for the week, according to the convenience of the family.
The maid is supposed to have her dress changed by three o'clock. She will
wear a simple but neat cotton gown about her work, mornings; in the
afternoon she will put on a black dress with white apron, collar and
cuffs. She is expected to keep a clean apron in the kitchen to slip on if
summoned to the door before luncheon. She should never answer the bell
with her sleeves rolled up. The mistress provides the white apron with
shoulder pieces, the linen cuffs and collar worn by the maid of all work
in the afternoon and evening. These are the mistress's property, remaining
in the family through the changes of servants. So many girls object to the
cap that it is seldom seen save in very formal establishments. If worn,
the mistress furnishes it.
Instructing the Maid.--If the mistress finds her maid's education in her
duties is deficient, she should teach her to open the door wide, as if the
visitor were welcome; to have her tray ready to receive cards; to be
informed as to whether the mistress is at home or not that she may answer
the visitor's inquiry at once. She is to usher the visitor into the
drawing room or parlor, take the card to her mistress and return to say
that "Mrs. Blank will be down in a few minutes," never alluding to her
mistress as "she," as some ill-trained girls do.
If a lady who keeps but one maid entertains at all she must instruct the
girl in the proper serving of meals. In the first place, everything that
is necessary for the service must be ready; there must be no getting out
of extra silver or china at the last moment, with its upsetting confusion.
The menu must be so carefully planned that most of the food to be served
can be prepared beforehand. For a six o'clock company dinner, the soup may
be hot in the kettle; the fowl or joint in the oven; the entree waiting
the finishing touches on the back of the range, the vegetables in the
warmer, and the dessert in the ice-box. All the china and silver being in
readiness and the table properly laid, the maid slips into her black dress
and apron, and presents herself at the drawing-room door, announcing
"Dinner' is served."
The Maid's Serving.--The guests being seated, she brings in the soup
tureen, uncovers it, taking the cover to the pantry as she goes for the
hot soup plates. She then stands at the left of the mistress with a tray,
covered with a doily, in her left hand, a folded napkin under the tray;
takes the soup plates as they are filled, passing them to the left of each
guest, taking the plate from the tray with the right hand. She then
removes the tureen. Removing the plates she takes them from the left side
of the guest. The roast is brought in and served in the same manner as the
soup; the vegetables are passed, each guest helping himself from the dish.
The salad is usually served on the plates upon which it has been arranged.
After the salad the table is cleared and the crumbs brushed with a napkin
upon a plate or tray, and the dessert brought on for the hostess to serve,
The latter starts the little dishes of bonbons or salted nuts on their
travels, guests passing them along.
Given a capable, willing girl, one anxious to learn and not too
self-conscious, a woman may entertain two or three or four guests very
adequately if she will plan her menu carefully and see, personally, that
everything is in readiness. She should, however, avoid any
overelaboration. Better a simple meal well prepared and served than a more
pretentious one that fails in these particulars.
Duties of Waitress and Cook.--Where two maids are kept they are waitress--
"second girl" or "housemaid," sometimes so-called--and cook. The
housemaid--we will so style her--opens and airs the house and dusts and
arranges the rooms before breakfast. She serves the breakfast, clears the
table and washes the dishes taken from it. She then proceeds to the
bedrooms, putting them in order, dusting, making beds, etc. She will
probably have fine lingerie waists, etc., to wash and iron on certain
mornings. She does the sweeping, unless there is a man to take out and
beat the rugs, and wipes up hardwood floors. She must clean the silver
once a week and rub up brass; keep the pantries in order, clean the
bathrooms, wait on table, answer the bell, both the door bell and her
mistress's bell, and usually assist the latter in dressing. She is
expected to do part of the family mending, keeping table linen and bed
linen in good condition, and in some households is expected to wash and
iron the napkins and dish-towels, unless a laundress is employed.
The Cook's Work.--The cook must prepare the meals, and put the food into
the proper dishes and these in the pantry, ready for the waitress, who is
not expected to enter the kitchen during the service of a meal. She washes
the dishes used in the kitchen and the meat dishes from the table; she
must keep the kitchen and its adjuncts, including back stairs,
refrigerator, back porch and closet in order. Her mistress plans the meals
with her, and she is expected to make good and economical use of
left-overs. She often does the ordering by telephone, and sees to the
milk, ice, etc., as they are delivered.
Servants always respect a mistress who knows her rights, exacts them, and
respects her servant's rights. She should permit no familiarities; at the
same time she must not regard her household assistants as mere machines,
beyond her sympathy, Good mistresses make good servants.
The Nurse.--The nurse must wash and dress the children; keep their clothes
in order, washing and ironing the finer articles; eat with them, keep the
nursery in order; sleep in the room, or in a room adjoining them with the
door open, and take care of them when they are ill. A nursery governess
teaches them, and is excused from the laundry work and from keeping the
nursery in order.
The mistress who can conduct her domestic menage with two servants only is
usually better served and with less friction than where more are employed.
Rarely can three servants get on harmoniously. The more servants there
are, unless there is a housekeeper, the more shirking there is, and the
more waste and extravagance.
SUMMARY.
Remember--
That the younger woman, the unmarried, the less socially prominent, are
introduced to the older, the married and the more renowned..
That a card represents a visit, and that leaving your name in this way
makes your friend your debtor.
One should send announcement cards rather than invitations to those with
whom acquaintance is slight.
The etiquette of calling on an "at home" day does not differ from that of
an ordinary call, save that some light refreshment is offered, as a rule.
That the bachelor and the widower should respond to every invitation
whether accepted or declined, by calling and leaving cards, whereas the
married man's wife may leave his cards with her own. Men ignore this rule
a great deal, however.
That a married woman uses her husband's full name on her cards; that a
man's name always has the prefix Mr., and an unmarried woman's or young
girl's that of Miss, and that "pet" names are not "good form" on cards.
The extreme limit of a call is twenty minutes, and the first caller to
arrive should be the first to depart.
That the lady invites the man to call, and being thus complimented he
should soon avail himself of the permission.
It is the mother's place to invite young men to call, not the daughter's,
though she may say "My mother would be pleased to have you call on us,"
The mother must then meet and assist, for a time at least, in entertaining
him.
A first call must always be returned. Afterwards the acquaintance need not
be continued.
It is customary for mother and daughter to use a card on which hath names
appear when calling together. A debutante, in our most conventional
society, has no separate card of her own. If she calls without her mother,
she uses this double card, running a pencil mark lightly through her
mother's name.
The divorced woman, if she drops her husband's name by permission of the
court, uses her maiden name on her cards, with the prefix Mrs. If she
retains her husband's name, she usually combines her family name with it,
as Mrs. Jones Brown.
At afternoon teas, receptions and "At Homes" the visitor leaves a card for
the hostess on the tray in the hall, and one for the guest of honor, or
the debutante if one is being introduced.
One wears the best she has that is suitable for a dinner party.
Do not send your card with "Regrets" written upon it, in response to any
invitation, formal or informal.
It is bad form to show that one feels slighted or affronted at not having
been invited to any function, or not given the precedence one feels
herself entitles to. The hostess, in her own home, obeys such rules as she
believes correct.
If hostess, one must overlook every awkwardness on the part of the guest
or servant, and any accident to one's belongings, but be deeply solicitous
and apologetic if an accident happens to a guest,
The guest of honor at a dinner party should take leave first. Other
departures follow speedily.
Remember--
She may not invite a friend of her own to a meal without requesting
permission of her hostess.
She should be careful not to infringe upon the privileges and prerogatives
of the man of the house.
She should show herself pleased with the efforts made to entertain her and
enter into them readily.
She should leave promptly at the expiration of the time set for her visit.
It is almost invariably a mistake to outstay the limit. If no limit was
named in the invitation, she should, within a day or two of her arrival,
state the date on which she will leave.
On her return home, her first duty is to write her hostess, announcing her
arrival and expressing her pleasure in the visit. To omit this is a grave
discourtesy. A hostess once said of a woman who failed in this particular:
"We don't know whether she reached home or not; we never heard from her
after she left."
The hostess should arrange to have the visitor met, either meeting her in
person at the station or being first to greet her on her arrival at the
house.
Guest rooms should be in perfect order and equipped with every possible
convenience for the comfort of visitors.
The hostess arranges whatever pleasures are possible for her guest's
enjoyment, invites her friends to call on her, and probably gives a tea or
reception in her honor.
Remember--
The parents and relatives of the bridegroom-elect should call on the girl
and her mother, or if living in another city write cordial letters without
delay.
She should try to make her future husband's family like her.
Cards are usually removed from gifts, but in some cases are left on.
The hats of the father and ushers are left with the sexton in the
vestibule and handed to them as they leave.
The dress of the bridal party has already been fully described in a
preceding chapter.
The bridegroom sends the bride her bouquet, and often one of violets or
her favorite flower to the bride's mother.
Formal afternoon dress is necessary for men who attend a day wedding, at
church or at home. At an evening wedding they wear evening clothes.
After a wedding, the members of the bridal party are expected to call on
the bride's mother within ten days or two weeks.
A bridal party always stand with their backs to the audience, the
clergyman facing it.
Remember--
That men's evening clothes are not worn before six o'clock.
That women wear their hats at afternoon functions, teas, luncheons, bridge
parties, etc., and remove them at evening affairs.
The social aspirant should cultivate the art of saying polite nothings
acceptably. Small talk is the small change of social life.
At a dancing-party the hostess does not dance, as a rule, during the first
part of the evening. She receives her guests and sees that the women are
provided with partners.
A man who dances should pay his hostess the courtesy of inviting her to
dance. He should certainly dance with her daughter.
Remember--
That the salt-shaker is out of favor; the open salt cellar and the
salt-spoon are much preferred.
Never cut bread; break it with the fingers. Never butter a large piece, or
spread it in the palm of your hand.
Lift both from the plate to the table. The plate is then ready for the
fruit course.
Black coffee--cafe noir--is usually served without cream. Cut loaf sugar
is passed with it.
If a visitor for one meal only, the napkin is not folded at the conclusion
of a meal. If staying a day or two follow the practice of the hostess.
Do not break bread or crackers into the soup nor tip the plate to obtain
the last of it.
Remember--
Do not move glass, spoon, etc., when the maid brushes the crumbs from the
cloth.
Knife and fork are laid upon the plate, tines of the latter upward, when
the plate is passed for a second helping. This "second help" is permitted
only at family or informal dinners.
A host must not urge food upon a guest after it has once been declined.
Lift the cup or glass to the lips, instead of bending toward it. Do not
throw the head back and raise the cup to get the last of its contents.
Remember--
To prepare a list of the members of the family who will go to the cemetery
at a funeral, for the undertaker's guidance, arranging them in the order
of the relationship.
During an illness, make inquiries at the door, leaving a card with "To
inquire" written upon it. This apprises a friend of your interest in her
troubles, yet makes no claim upon her time.
Men wear mourning bands on their hats, not on the coat sleeve. Borders on
mourning stationery and cards should be narrow.
Remember--
The forms of address, under the head of "Letter forms" may be profitably
studied.
Abbreviations are incorrect. Write out the name of the state on your
envelope; otherwise it may go astray.
If you never say an unkind or hateful thing in a letter, you will never
fear you may be some day condemned by your written evidence.
A kind "no" is often more agreeable than a rough "yes." An assent, given
grudgingly, is always ungracious.
Take note of this quotation: "Life is like a mirror. It reflects the face
you bring to it. Look out lovingly upon the world and the world will look
lovingly in upon you."
"The one thing that woman prizes most is her beauty. Though she have none,
she yet persuadeth herself that she possesses some charm upon which men's
eyes rest admiringly."--Johnson.
"There is no wound a woman will not more willingly forget than a blow to
her vanity."
The first essential to good looks is good health. The clear complexion,
the bright eyes, the lustrous hair that are such helps are born of good
health rather than of creams and hair tonics. Health depends a good deal
on wholesome diet and out-door exercise, which make pure blood. Pure air
is invaluable. Country girls often have exquisite complexions because of
the pure air they breathe--unless they eat too much heavy, greasy food.
Study hygiene, then, instead of relying upon "Bloom of Youth" and "Cream
of Roses" as aids to a good complexion. Such things deceive no one, and by
use ruin the skin, wrinkling and withering it. It is a good thing to drink
plenty of water. A glass on retiring, another on rising, and a third an
hour before the noon meal is little enough. Keep the stomach and bowels in
good order.
FRECKLES.--These have been poetically called "the kisses of the sun," but
no girl cares for evidences of that sort of affection. Prevention is
easier than cure. Simple home remedies are lemon juice and glycerin, sour
buttermilk, and elderflower soap used in bathing.
A PURE FACE CREAM.--Set a bowl in a basin of hot water over the fire. In
it put a quarter of an ounce of white wax and two and a half ounces of
spermaceti, and the same quantity of oil of sweet almonds. When melted and
hot, add a pinch of borax and an ounce and a half of rose-water. Beat
these ingredients with a silver fork, briskly, till the cream is cold.
Warm the jar before filling it and keep in a cool place.
ANOTHER GOOD CREAM.--One ounce each of white wax and spermaceti; two
ounces each of lanolin and cocoanut oil and four ounces of sweet almond
oil. Melt in a double-boiler or a bowl set in hot water, and stir in two
ounces of orange flower water and thirty drops of tincture of benzoin.
Stir briskly till cold, and of the consistency of a thick paste. This is
to be used at night, after thoroughly washing the face. It is a good
cleansing cream also.
MASSAGE.--Unless properly done, massage may do more harm than good. If one
can afford a few treatments by a scientific masseur and study her methods,
it is a great help. The thing is not to rub in more than you rub out, by
improper manipulation. Rub the face up, not down. This is because of the
tendency of the muscles to sag.
Rub across, not with, the lines. Rub the "parentheses" around the month up
and out, and give a rotary motion to the rubs given the checks, gently
pinching and pulling them out.
But after all, there's nothing like good temper and steady nerves to
prevent the tell-tale lines.
WRINKLED HANDS.--Wrinkled hands belong to age, and are due to loss of oil
in the skin. After washing and wiping them, rub with a little cold cream
or olive oil. Rub well into the skin. At night, use the cream or oil
freely and put on a pair of old gloves.
FACE POWDERS.--There are few women who do not at times have occasion to
use face powder. A woman once remarked: "It isn't decent not to in
summer--one looks so greasy without." There are many face powders on the
market, some of which are comparatively harmless, while others are
deleterious. The injury done by powder is that it fills the pores,
stopping them up and thus clogging the skin. Many powders contain lead or
bismuth, both of which are very injurious. Magnesia is drying. Rice powder
is most harmless, but does not adhere. The most innocent powder is
probably a preparation of French chalk. Weigh a box of powder in your hand
before purchasing. If heavy, it doubtless contains lead, and should be
refused. Find some powder that agrees with your skin and then buy that
brand. Suit the color of the powder to your complexion. Don't use flesh
tint if you are sallow, the "outlying regions" of neck and ears betray
you.
TO USE POWDER.--Wash the face; rub a little cold cream over it, rubbing it
in well, wipe with a dry towel, gently, then apply the powder with a
chamois--a clean one. Do not keep it on unnecessarily. Remove by rubbing
with the cleansing cream, then wash the face. Never go to bed with powder
on your face.
LIQUID WHITENERS.--Avoid these. They are "whitewashes" that wither and
wrinkle the skin and make it prematurely old. Almost without exception
they contain lead in some form. Constant use may produce a facial
paralysis due to lead poisoning. Moreover they deceive no one, and give an
unpleasing impression as regards one's good sense.
ROUGE.--Well, don't do it. There may be a few who can have a rouge
especially prepared that is the exact tint that harmonizes with the skin,
the hair, the eyes, and can apply it so carefully as to look "natural."
But ordinarily the deception is evident, and rouge in conjunction with
liquid washes and penciled eyes and brows, suggest the aids employed by
women of the demi-monde.
The hair should be taken down and well brushed every night, This removes
dirt and makes it glossy. Use a brush with bristles as stiff as you can
use without irritating the scalp too much, and keep it clean. Don't drag a
fine comb through the hair. The proper comb has regular and even teeth,
rounded, not sharp. If a tooth becomes split, remove it; it will break the
hair. Wire brushes are nothing more or less than combs, and are not as
good for the hair as good bristle brushes. Keep combs and brushes clean.
A specialist on the hair who makes biennial trips abroad to advise himself
as to the most recent methods and treatment, in a moment of confidence
admitted to a customer that after all pure cold water was as good a hair
tonic as he knew of. "Do not wet the hair." he said. "Dip the tips of your
fingers in cold water and rub the scalp, wetting it and at the same time
massaging it. Do this as faithfully as you would apply a tonic, and in all
but certain exceptional cases it will be as beneficial.'
CLIPPING THE HAIR.--It is a good plan to clip the ends of the hair once a
month to keep the growth even. If the hair splits, trim to a point above
it, as the tendency is for the split to extend further up the hair-shaft.
An old-fashioned recipe for dandruff calls for five ounces of bay rum, one
ounce of olive oil, one ounce tincture of cantharides. Dr. Leonard advises
free applications of sweet oil for the purpose of softening the scales,
then a washing with warm water and castile soap, or the "green soap" of
the pharmacy. If the disease is bad, or obstinate, apply a little oxide of
zinc ointment.
WASHING THE HAIR.--One suspects that those who advise washing the hair
once a week have more of all eye to the increase of their business than to
the welfare of their customers' hair. The egg shampoo has been advised.
Use a soap made of vegetable oil if possible. Never rub soap in the hair,
and be very careful to rinse thoroughly, to get all the soap out using hot
water for washing, then graduating the temperature till the final douche
of cold. Do not use ammonia, soda or borax on the hair.
COLOR OF THE HAIR.--Nature has suited the hair to the complexion in every
case, and we cannot improve upon her idea of harmony. That is why any
attempt to change the color is so unsatisfactory. The "bleached blonde" is
always recognizable; so is the woman who dyes her faded locks in vain
effort to retain her "youth." As the hair changes by natural processes the
complexion changes to match it, so that we never get a chance to improve
upon nature's handiwork.
DYED HAIR.--Dyed hair is a sorry makeshift at best. Far better let nature
have her way. There is but one hair-dye that is not positively harmful,
this is henna, and its use entails no end of trouble because it must be
frequently renewed,--some use it every day.
To prepare the dye, get a quarter pound of henna leaves; to this add two
quarts of cold water. Let stand on the back of the range where it will
steep slowly for four or five hours. Add three ounces of alcohol and
bottle. Apply with a tooth-brush. It gives a sort of reddish-brown color.
Women whose hair is prematurely gray often use this, declaring their white
hair prevents them from obtaining or holding business positions. But where
hair has whitened prematurely there is always a freshness and vitality
about eyes and complexion that bespeaks youth.
GRAY HAIR.--"The only thing to do with gray hair is to admire it." This is
true. Nothing so sets off an aged face like the crown of silver. To color
it is a great mistake. There is absolutely no cure for it; the one thing
we can do is to make it a beauty. Gray hair is due to the exhaustion of
the pigment or coloring cells of the hair, supposed to be occasioned by
the lack of a regular supply of blood.
For the progressive whitening of the hair due to the advance of age,
curative agents are rarely of any avail, especially if the trouble is
hereditary. Not that gray hair and baldness are handed down from father to
son, but that the peculiarities of constitution which produce them are
inherent in both. Nervousness, neuralgia, a low physical condition, aid
the falling and blanching of the hair, and the victim should build up the
general system. Preparations of iron and sulphur, taken internally, are
supposed to supply certain elements of growth and pigment-forming power to
the hair.
A solution of iron for external application to the hair, calls for two
drams each of citrate of iron and tincture of nux vomica, and one and
one-half ounces each of cocoanut oil and bay rum. It may be mentioned
here, that faithfulness in treatment means even more than the tonic
applied. To gain any real benefit, one must be persistent in application.
Hair often turns gray "in streaks" to the chagrin of the victim. Or it
whitens above the forehead and temples and remains dark at the back.
Nothing can be done for this.
Gray hair should be kept scrupulously clean, and requires more frequent
washing than hair that holds its color. A very little blueing in the
rinsing water gives a purer, clearer white. For this use indigo, not the
usual washing fluid which is made of Prussian blue. Five cents worth of
indigo will last a lifetime.
A HAIR TONIC.--A lotion Dr. Leonard recommends for the hair, especially
where it is coming out calls for two drams tincture cantharides, half an
ounce nux vomica, one dram tincture capsicum, one and a half ounces castor
oil, and two ounces of cologne. Apply with a bit of sponge twice a day.
Digest half an ounce of pine tar in a pint of water for forty-eight hours,
stirring occasionally; filter, and put with the other fluid, then add one
pint of bay rum, one ounce each of cologne and tincture of cantharides,
two ounces of glycerin and ten ounces of distilled water. Apply daily,
using a tonic brush.
If the nails become hard or brittle, immerse them in warm olive oil every
night or rub vaselin into them."
MOUTH AND TEETH.--Many young people owe their homely mouths to infantile
habits. Sucking the thumb, and these horrible "pacificators" or "baby
comforters" are responsible for some ill-shaped mouths. A large mouth, if
not malformed, is not ugly unless filled with bad teeth or set in a
disagreeable expression. Thus, in a way, we mould this feature ourselves,
to a considerable degree.
CLEANSING THE TEETH.--A good brushing twice a day, using cold water and
some pleasant antiseptic wash, like listerine, does much to keep the mouth
and teeth clean. Particles of food lodged between the teeth should be
removed with a bit of dental floss.
THE EYES.--No gift is more precious than sight. Therefore take care of
your eyes. Don't overstrain them, don't put anything in them, don't follow
any casual prescription, nor use belladonna to brighten them. Consult an
oculist, not an optician, if there is anything the matter with them. Bathe
them in hot water when they feel tired and drawn. Eyesight is too precious
to be tampered with. If a child is cross-eyed, a simple operation will
straighten them, and it is a crime not to have it done.
CORNS.--Corns are of three kinds: callous spots, soft corns, and corns.
Callous spots may be rubbed or pared down and rubbed with cocoa butter.
Soft corns come between the toes and are very painful. Soak absorbent
cotton in a little turpentine and put between the toes; or sprinkle the
cotton with powdered alum. These corns are supposed to be due to moisture
between the toes and are sometimes cured and often prevented by keeping
absorbent cotton between the toes. Prevention saves a lot of suffering.
"Just corns" are calloused spots with hard center; pressure on this causes
pain. Soaking in hot water, and shaving off as much of the hardened skin
as can be removed with safety, affords relief. The little hard core should
be taken out.
2. Thou shalt not visit thine own disappointments upon thy child, nor
speak to him sharply without just cause.
3. Thou shalt not administer any rebuke while feeling anger toward thy
child.
6. Thou shalt not lie to thy child, neither break thy promise, nor
deceive.
7. Thou shalt not waste thyself upon the effort to destroy evil
tendencies and wrong activities in thy child, but shall remove temptation
from him and cultivate his virtues and his righteous activities.
8. Thou shalt not curtail thy child's liberty but shall insist he respect
the liberty of all others, even as his is respected.
9. Many hours shalt thou labor with thy child and do all thy work,
dressing him, feeding him, teaching him, amusing him, but for one hour out
of every seven waking hours shalt thou let him alone, and bother him not,
neither thou, nor thy husband, nor thy nursemaid, nor thy friends, nor thy
relatives nor any that are in thy house. For in that hour shall the Lord
come unto him.
10. Thou shalt not force thy child in any respect, neither physically,
mentally or morally. Thou shalt not force obedience, for forced obedience
is not righteous; but thou shalt gently lead thy child along the way that
he should go, having first passed over the road thyself.
Mother.--The babe at first feeds upon the mother's bosom, but is always on
her heart.--H. W. Beecher.
Baby.--A sweet new blossom of humanity, fresh fallen from God's own home,
to flower on earth.--Massey.
Pretty Things for Baby.--Among pretty articles for baby there are tiny
ribbon garters to hold up the little sleeves, in colors to match the blue
of the eyes or the pink of the cheeks, and there are huge soft rosettes of
ribbon and hand embroidered strings for the cap, and gold baby pins and
fleecy robes and bow-decked quilts.
Baby.--A lovely bud, so soft, so fair, called hence by early doom; just
sent to show how sweet a flower in paradise would bloom.--Leigh Richmond.
Wild Flowers.--Children who gather wild flowers should be taught that they
must not put them in their mouths. The buttercup, which is harmless enough
to handle, contains an acid poison that will produce sore mouth, and taken
into the stomach worse effects might result. It also contains a narcotic
principle, anemonin, which has the property of diminishing the respiration
and heart action.
Discipline.--Be ever gentle with the children God has given you.--Watch
over them constantly; reprove them earnestly, but not in anger.--In the
forcible language of Scripture, "Be not bitter against them." "Yes, they
are good boys," said a kind father. "I talk to them much, but I do not
beat my children: the world will beat them." It was a beautiful thought,
though not elegantly expressed.--Burritt.
Baby's Fine Dresses.--If the baby's dress is not made of the finest of
handkerchief linen, French nainsook or a very fine batiste is usually
chosen. These are the soft materials, soft as well as sheer. They are the
materials on which embroidery is done most successfully and the baby dress
de luxe is always hand embroidered. It may have on it the merest touch of
hand work--scarcely more than a few eyelets and a tiny blossom and stem
and yet follow the prescribed lines. The little round yokes are attached
to the fulled on skirt portion with the tiniest of beading or else the
yoke scallops are lapped down over the fullness. The neck is edged with
the little hand-made scallops.
Nicknames.--A good name will wear out; a bad one may be turned; a nickname
lasts forever.--Zimmermann.
Second Teeth.--When the baby's second teeth are cut there are often
injurious influences to be combated. There is more or less chance for the
formation of caries or tartar; care must be taken and counsel sought, and
every effort made to prevent the aggravation of the evil.
Tears.--Tears are the safety-valves of the heart when too much pressure is
laid on it.--Albert Smith.
Going Barefoot.--The careful mother does not let her child run barefoot,
no matter how they clamor to do it. If they wish to go shoeless, let them
wear bathing sandals without stockings, is the advice of the writer, who
adds, the germ of tetanus, better known as lockjaw, is frequently found in
the soil and a child with even a small scratch or cut takes big risks. For
girls, especially, running barefoot should be a forbidden pleasure as it
makes the feet broad and flat.
The Flannel Binder.--The flannel binders for baby should be cut from the
softest kind of flannel and on the bias to increase their elasticity. They
should be about five inches wide and twenty inches long, with the edges
raw, or pinked, perhaps, but not hemmed. After the first six or eight
weeks the knitted, circular band which can be bought ready made or may be
crocheted at home, is substituted for the flannel binder.
LOVE.
Toiling.--rejoicing,--sorrowing,
Onward through life he goes;
Each morning sees some task begun,
Each evening sees it close;
Something attempted, something done,
He has earned a night's repose.
Tireless Talkers.--A sick man that gets talking about himself, a woman
that gets talking about her baby, and an author that begins reading out of
his own book, never know when to stop.--O. W. Holmes.
Indulgence.--It takes far more than the mere mother love to bring up
children. It takes training, study, knowledge, says the New York Tribune.
It takes self-control in the parents themselves. The mother who spoils a
child through weak indulgence does not truly love her child. She loves her
own pleasures in going along the line of least resistance.
Method.--Now that school days are here, mark umbrellas by writing name on
muslin with ink and sewing to inside of top with black thread; overshoes
and rubbers by writing name on the lining, and handkerchiefs by writing
name across the center with ink.
System.--Marshal thy notions into a handsome method. One will carry twice
more weight packed up in bundles, than when it lies flapping and hanging
about his shoulders.--Fuller.
The Romper.--The romper has become an essential part of the young child's
wardrobe. They are developed mostly in linen, galatea, and less
expensively still in chambray. The best colors are dark blue, brown,
green, tan and natural colored linen; green perhaps is best for summer. It
is cool looking and it does not show grass stains. Short flowing sleeves
are most satisfactory.
BABY'S PURPOSE.
AFFECTION.
Disinfection of Toys and Books.--All toys that have been used by a child
suffering from an infectious disease should be either burned or thoroughly
disinfected before they are used again. Books read by the little patient
should be especially guarded against.
Keep Dainties Away from the Beginning.--The well-trained child does not
crave unaccustomed dainties. It is natural that he should feel a curiosity
with regard to a dish with which he is not familiar, and ask some
questions about it. But that does not mean that any of it is to be given
to him. A boy whose digestive organs were very delicate was taught from
babyhood to sit in his high chair at the table and eat what was on his
tray and was perfectly content with what he had, as he knew no other diet.
Once in awhile he would ask: "Is that good for little boys?" and when his
mother would answer gently, "No. darling, that would make little boys
sick," he was perfectly satisfied. Never having tasted things not suited
to his age he did not crave them. One cannot miss that which he has never
had. As he grew older he reaped the benefit of the strict regime and his
digestion was perfect.
PROGRESS.
New occasions teach new duties; Time makes ancient good uncouth;
They must upward still, and onward, who would keep abreast of Truth;
Lo, before us gleam her camp-fires! we ourselves must Pilgrims be,
Launch our Mayflower, and steer boldly through the desperate winter sea,
Nor attempt the Future's portal with the Past's blood-rusted key.
--James Russell Lowell.
ROCK ME TO SLEEP.
The Pinafore.--The ideal dress for children is, of course, the pinafore
style. It is so easy to renew the overdress and under bodice as required
and it is, moreover, invaluable to suit the weather changes from day to
day. The serge overdress can have a little cotton or flannel blouse, just
as thermometers demand.
WEDDING CELEBRATIONS.
Rather Hard on the Baby.--Here is some advice that appeared in a paper for
mothers the other day: "The bottle must be kept perfectly clean. When the
babe has finished drinking it should be unscrewed and laid in a cool place
under the tap." One feels rather sorry for any babies thus treated.
Learning Wisdom.--We learn wisdom from failure much more than from
success; we often discover what will do, by finding out what will not do;
and probably he who never made a mistake never made a discovery.--S.
Smiles.
NOW OR NEVER.
Cleaning the Rug at Home.--Baby's fur rug may be cleaned at home by giving
it a thorough bath in dry cornmeal. Rub the meal in as though it were
soap, shake it out and rub in more meal, letting it remain in the rug for
a day or two. Then shake out and the appearance of the rug will be much
improved.
Tooth Powder.--Look well at the teeth of the little ones. Charcoal and
tincture of myrrh are very beneficial to the teeth of the young, and both
are easily procured at any drug store.
Silence.--Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refuse.--Show.
Easy to Misjudge Men.--Every heart has its secret sorrow which the world
knows not, and oftimes we call a man cold when he is only sad.--Anon.
A Bathrobe.--A large Turkish bath towel makes a nice bathrobe for a baby
or small child. Use white cotton curtain cords for the girdle and make the
hood of the Turkish face cloth. This little robe is very serviceable and
convenient, and is easily laundered.
Methods of Cooking Eggs.--If you find that your baby, who is just
beginning to eat solid food will not eat soft cooked eggs, and there are
many who do not like them, try scrambling them until they are well done.
If not found palatable in that form make an egg custard. A baby usually
enjoys this and receives the same amount of nourishment that he would if
the egg were cooked in any other way.
Songs and Story Telling.--It is an unusual child indeed who does not
delight in listening to story telling or bright little songs at bedtime
and the nurse who is much with children will do well to treasure up all
such material that comes in her way. Being used to children and having a
sincere love for them makes one's work much easier, as even very little
children seem to know instinctively who their real friends are and to be
more easily controlled by them.
Baby's Sleeves.--When baby's arms grow too large for the shirt sleeves,
while the body of the shirt is still large enough, purchase a pair of
infant's white cashmere hose. Cut the feet off and overcast neatly into
the armholes; putting in a little gusset under the arms is necessary to
enlarge armhole. The leg of the stocking makes the sleeves and the top
fits nicely around the little wrist,
Princess Skirt.--For long skirts, both flannel and white ones, the
princess skirt adds to comfort of the body; no bands or fullness around
the body or neck. Cut the material same as for princess slip, coming
narrow on the shoulder and low neck back and front, and to flare at the
bottom, which may be finished as desired. The flannel ones add to warmth,
having flannel to neck baby needs no little jackets,
Amusing Baby.--A simple device for keeping the baby amused and happy is to
fasten at intervals upon a broad, bright ribbon the toys of which he is
most fond, suspending the ribbon above the bed upon which he lies, within
reach of his little hands, by securing one end to the head of the bed and
the other to the foot. He will then entertain himself by the hour pushing
the toys back and forth, and watching them swing above him.
Wild Flowers.--Every garden should contain a few wild flowers. The busy
mother will find that they grow without care if proper soil is provided
and will bloom where there is too much shade for other flowers. March
brings forth the lovely hepatica, and wild phlox or sweet william soon
follows. Next comes the wild geranium cranes bill, but as its petals fall
rapidly, it is not as effective as sweet william, which will be a mass of
delicate bloom for five weeks or more. The trillium or wake robin is
another desirable flower, and wild violets thrive where the cultivated
kind will not grow. The Indian turnip or Jack-in-the-Pulpit is an
interesting plant and a curiosity to many who never ramble in the woods to
see it in its native abode. All of these bear transplanting and are
satisfactory as garden plants, but choose sweet william if you wish the
most desirable for color, fragrance and duration of bloom.
Making Friends.--Blessed is the man who has the gift of making friends,
for it is one of God's best gifts.--Thomas Hughes.
Flowers.--They are wreathed around the cradle, the marriage altar, and the
tomb.--Mrs. L. M. Child.
Bed Time.--One little chap was constantly being deceived as to his bed
hour, which was 7:30 o'clock. He could not tell the time, and his mother
or nurse would tell him that it was bedtime when in reality it was only
seven o'clock. He would look puzzled and only half convinced as his reason
told him it could not be that late; but he had no choice but to obey. It
would have been far wiser to set seven o'clock as his bed hour and to have
stuck to it.
Tea and Coffee.--Don't give your two-year-old child tea and coffee to
drink. What if she does cry for them? The crying will harm her far less
than the drink.
FOUR THINGS.
Each man has more of four thing than he knows.
What four are these? Sins, debts, fears and woes.
--From the French.
Forming Habits.--The trouble with most bad habits is that they are so
quickly formed in small children. The mother relaxes her care for a day or
two, and a new trick appears, or the work of weeks on an old one is
undone. What is true of physical habits is equally so of the moral habits.
A tiny baby of a few months old knows very well if the habit of loud
crying will procure for it what it wants, and if not cheeked will develop
into the irritable whining adult we are all acquainted with. Habits of
disrespect, of indifference to the rights of others, of cruelty, may all
be irresistibly formed or dispelled in the first few years of life.
Correct Length of Clothes.--In making long clothes for the baby it is well
to remember that the correct length for long dresses is one yard from the
shoulder to the hem. The petticoats should be made the same lengths as the
dresses, or perhaps a half inch shorter.
There is an old saying that "the way to a man's heart is through his
stomach." This contains much more truth than it would seem on the surface.
Investigators who have made careful research into the divorce question,
which has assumed such large proportions, state that if women knew more of
the science of home making there would be fewer homes broken up. What man
or woman either would not be utterly discouraged to come home day after
day to poor meals and untidiness everywhere, conditions which in time
bring poor health and disease. The public school aims through domestic
science to teach the importance and dignity of being a good housewife.
[818 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Greatest Food Value from Proper Cooking.--Then also students along this
line of study have discovered that some of our common foods lose much of
their value to us through improper cooking and preparation.
If we are going to prepare food and use it as part of our diet, why should
we not obtain the most of its value? Is that not true economy? For an
example of this fact let us take eggs, one of our most common articles of
diet. We commonly cook eggs to harden the white, or albumen, so as to make
them more palatable. One common method of doing this has been to boil
them. Through experiments it has been proven that boiling makes this
albumen so hard to digest that our bodies get practically no value from
it. The newer method advanced proves that the same results can be obtained
by cooking eggs in water which is kept just below the boiling point, and
eggs cooked this way are easily and readily assimilated by our bodies. Why
should we not endeavor then to give to our bodies food so prepared that it
gives the most nourishment. To take another example,--when salt is added
to vegetables it draws out from them into the water their mineral salts
and any proteid which will build tissue for us. In most vegetables the
cooking water is thrown away so that much of the value of the vegetable is
lost. Why should we not try to devise a method of cooking which will save
for us this food value? Salt is added for flavor only, so why cannot the
salt be added a short time before the cooking is finished so that it will
not have time to draw out the food value?
The fruits and vegetables, commonly preserved in the home, are divided
into five classes:
l.--Canning.
2.--Jellies.
3.--Jams.
4.--Marmalades and Butters.
5.--Pickles.
1. Steaming.--By this method the fruit is put into the sterilized jars,
the jars filled with boiling water and the covers loosely set on. Then the
jars are set on small blocks of wood in a pan of cold water. Cover this
pan and let the water come to a boil and boil for 15 minutes. Remove the
jars and fill them with boiling water, if necessary. Seal tightly. Small
berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, retain their color and are
especially good done in this manner. Whole tomatoes done in this way are
especially attractive for winter salads, and corn will keep indefinitely.
To Sterilize Jars.--Wash the jars, fill with cold water, place them on
rests, such as small blocks of wood on the bottom of the kettle or boiler
and surround them with cold water. If blocks of wood are not obtainable
the jars may be wrapped in brown paper to prevent them knocking against
each other. Be sure the mouths of the jars are uncovered. Heat gradually
until the water boils, boil 15 minutes or until ready to fill them.
Sterilize the covers of the jars also, and dip the rubber bands in boiling
water just before using.
Directions for Filling Jars.--Remove the jars from the boiling water--the
handle of a wooden spoon is good to use in removing them. Wring a cloth
out of hot water and place it on a plate, put the jar to be filled on the
hot cloth, put a silver spoon in it,--silver being a good conductor of
heat absorbs the heat from the fruit and lessens the danger of breakage.
Fill the jar with fruit and then add enough syrup or boiling water, as the
case may be, to fill the jar to overflowing. Run a silver knife or spoon
down the sides of the jar to allow any enclosed air to escape; add more
syrup or water, if necessary. Put on the sterilized rubber and seal
tightly.
Canned Corn.--Cut the corn from the cob while fresh, pack in sterilized
jars, and fill with boiling water. Put the cover on lightly and set on a
rest, such as small blocks of wood, pieces of thick paper or the corn
husks, in a pan of cold water. Let boil from two to three hours. Remove
the can, fill to overflowing with boiling water and seal tightly.
Canned Rhubarb.--Select medium stalks, skin and cut either into one-inch
pieces, or eight-inch lengths. Pack in sterilized jars, fill to
overflowing with cold water and seal. Rhubarb put up in this way has been
known to keep for over a year, and is especially good for pies and sauce.
Steamed Strawberries.--Wash and hull the strawberries, and for every quart
of strawberries use one cup of sugar. Pack the berries in a sterilized
jar, cover with sugar and fill with boiling water. Cover the jar lightly,
put in a pan of cold water, on a rest and let the water boil for about
fifteen minutes. Remove, seal tightly, and keep in a cool place.
Canned Strawberries.--Wash and hull the berries. Make a syrup of sugar and
water, using one cup of sugar to every three of water. Boil 10 minutes.
Drop the berries in the boiling syrup and cook until soft. This will
require only several minutes. Fill the jars to overflowing with fruit and
syrup, then seal.
Canned Pears.--The pears should be ripe and of fine flavor. Wipe and pare
the fruit. If the pears are large they may be cut in halves. Make a syrup
of sugar and water, using one cup of sugar to one cup of water. Boil 10
minutes. Put in the pears, cook until soft. Fill sterilized jars and seal.
Canned Peaches.--Follow the directions for pears. Peaches may be canned by
the steaming method by cutting them in two and removing the stones.
Strawberry Preserves.--Wash and hull the berries, then weigh. Make a syrup
by boiling three-quarters of their weight in sugar with water, allowing
one cup of water to each pound of sugar. Cook syrup 15 minutes, fill glass
jars with the berries, add the syrup to overflow the jars. Let stand 15
minutes. By this time the fruit will have shrunk; add enough more fruit to
fill the jar. Put on a cover; set on a rest in a pan of cold water, heat
to the boiling point, and keep just below boiling for one hour.
Raspberries may be done in the same way.
Pick over, wash and drain the currants. Put into a preserving kettle and
mash. Cook one hour and strain through cheesecloth. Return to the kettle,
add the sugar, heat to the boiling point, cook 20 minutes. Add the
raspberries and cook until soft. Fill jars to over-flowing and seal. If
the seeds of the currants are not objectionable the mixture need not be
strained.
To Cover Jelly Glasses.--First: with paraffin. Melt the paraffin over hot
water and pour over the jelly when cold about one-fourth inch thick. Be
sure to use hot water in melting the paraffin, as it is apt to explode if
heated to too high a degree.
Second.--Cut two pieces of white paper, one just the size of the glass and
the other larger; dip the first cover in brandy or alcohol and press down
tightly over the jelly. White of egg or water may be used, but it is not
so good. Then cover with the second paper, sealing edges with white of
egg. A tin cover could be used in place of the last paper.
To Make a Jelly Bag.--Take a piece of flannel about three quarters of a
yard long, fold the opposite corners together and sew in the shape of a
cornucopia, rounding at the end; if the seam is felled it will be more
secure. Bind the top with tape and finish with two or three heavy loops by
which it may be hung.
Good Fruits for Making Jelly.--Crab apples, snow apples, early summer
apples, grapes, currants, blackberries, raspberries, quinces, barberries
are the fruits most commonly used for making jellies.
General Directions for Making Jelly.--Wash the fruit, remove the stems and
imperfections. Cut large fruit into pieces. With fruit such as apples or
quinces add enough water to cover them, but with watery fruits, such as
grapes and currants, omit any water. Cook the fruit, until the juice
flows, keeping it just below the boiling point. Remove from the fire and
strain through a pointed bag, hung at some height. Allow all the juice
possible to drip through before squeezing the bag and keep this juice by
itself. Then squeeze the bag and use the juice thus obtained for second
grade jelly, which, while it is not as clear as the first lot, can be used
for jelly cakes, etc. Measure the juice, bring to the boiling point, boil
slowly two or three minutes, then add an equal quantity of heated sugar.
Boil until the jelly thickens when dropped upon a cold plate. Pour slowly
into sterilized jelly glasses and set away to harden. The jelly bags
should be sterilized before using.
Apple Jelly.--Wipe the apples, remove the stem and blossom ends and cut
into quarters. Put into granite or, porcelain lined preserving kettle and
add enough cold water to come nearly to the top of the apples. Cook slowly
until the apples are soft. Mash and strain through a coarse sieve. Allow
the juice to drip through a jelly bag. Boil slowly for about 20 minutes,
add an equal quantity of heated sugar, cook for about five minutes or
until the jelly will harden when dropped on a cold saucer. Pour into
sterilized jelly glasses and seal when cold. If the apples are pared a
very light colored jelly is obtained.
Crab Apple Jelly.--Follow the recipe for apple jelly and use red cheeked
crab apples, if possible.
Quince Jelly.--Follow the recipe for apple jelly, substituting quinces for
apples. Remove the seeds from the fruit. Sometimes apples and quinces are
used in combination and make an excellent jelly.
Grape Jelly.--Pick over the grapes, wash and remove stems. Heat to the
boiling point, mash and boil 30 minutes. Strain through a jelly bag,
return the juice to the kettle and boil slowly for about five minutes. Add
an equal quantity of heated sugar. Boil three minutes or until it hardens
on a cold plate. Skim if necessary. Pour into sterilized jelly glasses;
seal when cold. Be very sure the grapes are not over-ripe. It is very
desirable to add a few green grapes. Wild grapes make excellent jelly to
serve with game.
Barberry Jelly.--This is considered quite a delicacy, and is made the same
as grape jelly, except that a very little water,--about one cup to one
peck of berries--is sometimes added.
Currant Jelly.--Pick over the currants but do not remove the stems, wash
and drain. Put into a preserving kettle and mash. Cook slowly for about 20
to 30 minutes. Strain through a coarse strainer and then through a jelly
bag. Follow directions for grape jelly.
JAMS.--The pulp, seeds and skins are all retained in jams; often material
that is left from jellies, and so on, can be used in this way by adding
spices and nuts to give flavor. Sterilization and the exclusion of air are
not quite so important in this class of preserving on account of the large
amount of sugar used which takes away food from the bacteria. Equal
amounts of sugar and fruits are used in making jams.
Strawberry Jam.--Wash and hull the berries. Add the sugar gradually so
that the juice of the berries will dissolve it. Boil about 20 minutes, or
until it will harden when dropped on a cold plate. Pour into sterilized
glasses.
Grape Jam.--
Wash the grapes, remove the stems and squeeze the pulp from the skins into
a preserving kettle. Put the skins on a granite plate and save them. Boil
the pulp until the seeds separate easily, stirring constantly. Strain
through a sieve, add the skins to the strained mixture, measure, return to
the kettle, and add an equal amount of sugar. Boil gently for 15 minutes
or until the jam is very thick. Pour into sterilized glasses and seal when
cold. The mixture needs careful watching and stirring, as it will burn
easily, especially after the sugar is added.
Rhubarb Conserve.--
Remove the leaves and pieces of root from the rhubarb and wash the stalks
in cold water. Cut into one-inch pieces. Do not remove the skin unless it
is fibrous. If the skin is removed do this before cutting in pieces. Wash
the oranges and either grate the rind or cut the yellow into strips thin
enough to be seen through. Wash the lemons and use only the juice. A
little rind may be used, if desired, but it will take away from the orange
flavor. The nuts need not be blanched, but should be broken into pieces of
medium size. Any nut may be used, but walnuts are especially good. Mix all
the materials, except the nuts, with the sugar. Cook slowly, stirring
constantly, until the mixture is thick,--about three-quarters of an hour.
After the first half hour's cooking, add the nuts. Pour into sterilized
jelly glasses and seal when cold.
Apple Marmalade.--Pare and core the apples. Cook until tender with just
enough water to keep from burning. Force through a fine sieve, return to
the fire with a scant pound of sugar and the juice and rind of one lemon
for each pound of pulp. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon until the
marmalade is thick when dropped on a cold saucer. Pour into sterilized
glasses.
Crab Apple Marmalade.--When making crab apple jelly, core the apples and
after straining, use the pulp that is left to make marmalade. Various
seasonings can he added. Among the best are cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg,
grated rind and juice of oranges and lemons. When seasoned according to
taste, add sugar to the pulp, and cook until of the desired consistency.
Seal in sterilized jars.
Rhubarb Marmalade.--
Boil the ingredients together until thick. The rind of the orange may be
grated and cooked by itself until tender before adding to the rest of the
materials. Pour into sterilized glasses and seal.
Pineapple.--Pare and remove the eyes from pineapple, then grate. Weigh the
pulp and heat two-thirds of its weight in sugar. Cook the pineapple in an
uncovered dish for some time. Then add the juice of one lemon for each
pound of fruit. Then add the sugar and boil until thick,--about five
minutes. Pour into sterilized jelly glasses.
Boil sugar, vinegar and cinnamon for 20 minutes. Dip peaches quickly in
hot water and rub off fur with a towel. Stick each peach with three or
four cloves, put into syrup and cook until soft. Cook only enough fruit at
a time to fill one jar. Seal in sterilized jars. Pears may be prepared in
the same way.
Chili Sauce.--
Mix these materials and cook for one hour, stirring occasionally. The
consistency should be quite thick and more than an hour's cooking may be
necessary. Strain or not as desired, but if strained put back in the
kettle and bring to the boiling point before scaling. Use tall wide necked
bottles and fill to overflowing, using the same precautions as you would
in canning fruit. The chili sauce is quite "hot," but this can be remedied
by altering the number of peppers and onions. In preparing, the tomatoes
should be washed; scalded and peeled. The peppers should be washed in cold
water, the stems removed and the peppers chopped finely. Chop the onions
finely in the same bowl as the peppers.
Slice the cucumbers thin and let stand over night in a weak brine. In the
morning drain, add the onions sliced thin. Mix the ingredients given. Put
the cucumbers and onions in a crock, pour over the mixture and add enough
vinegar to cover. Mix well.
Green Tomato Pickles.--Remove a thin slice from each end of the green
tomatoes. Slice and sprinkle one peck of tomatoes with one cup of salt and
let stand over night. Drain, boil 15 minutes in two quarts of boiling
water and one quart of vinegar. Drain again. Cook for 10 minutes the
following: one gallon of vinegar, 2 pounds or less of sugar, 1 red pepper,
10 teaspoon mustard seed, 3/4 cup cinnamon bark, and any other seasonings
desired. Add the tomatoes and simmer for about one hour, stirring
occasionally. The spices should be removed; this is easily accomplished if
they are tied in a muslin bag. Pack in sterilized jars.
Within recent years the chafing dish has become very familiar to us. It
is, however, not a recent invention, for in the time of Louis XIV it was
very commonly used. To the housekeeper who wishes to save herself and to
serve her guests with food at its best, the chafing dish comes as an
acceptable friend for use at the breakfast table in the preparation of
eggs and dishes which should be served immediately. Toast can be served
fresh and hot by using a toaster over the burner of a chafing dish. At
luncheon a hot dish can easily take the place of the cold meat course if
the chafing dish is at hand. However, the chief use of the chafing dish is
in the preparation of late suppers, and is largely in use by those who
have limited facilities for housekeeping, such as college girls. By those
who entertain the chafing dish is looked upon as a true friend of
hospitality.
Chafing dishes vary in price from the common ones made of tin which can be
bought for about a dollar, to the more expensive ones made of silver.
Various wares are utilized for the chafing dish. Among those most
satisfactory are graniteware, earthenware, nickel, copper and aluminum.
To get satisfactory results with the chafing dish you must have certain
parts. There should be a pan to use for hot water, and it should be
furnished with a handle. The cooking pan or blazer, as it is called,
should have a handle also. Until one becomes an expert the hot water pan
should be in constant use but later one need only use the hot water pan
for keeping food warm. The burner should be carefully looked after and be
in readiness. Alcohol, electricity and gas are all used as fuel, but
denatured or wood alcohol is probably the most common of all. If care is
taken in the use of alcohol there need be no danger. Fill the lamp with
sufficient alcohol to cook the dish desired, and if necessary to refill
during cooking shut off the flame and let the burner cool somewhat before
replenishing with the alcohol. A large tray upon which to set the chafing
dish prevents danger of fire and protects the table. Large forks and
spoons, made especially for the chafing dish, can be obtained at a small
price, but any table spoon and fork can be used. It is well to have a
napkin and extra spoon and fork at hand if it is necessary to taste the
preparation.
That a chafing dish supper may be a success, care should be taken on the
part of the hostess to have everything in readiness. The table should be
set with the required dishes, silver, etc., and all ingredients should be
at hand for the preparation that is to be made on the chafing dish. Most
chafing dishes will not supply portions for more than eight, so that a
larger number should not be included at a chafing dish supper. Unless
skilled in the use of a chafing dish, it is best not to prepare new dishes
for guests. If one will observe some care and have everything in
readiness, a chafing dish supper can be a very enjoyable source of
entertainment for informal affairs.
Cream Sauce.--
Melt the butter and stir in the flour and seasonings until smooth; add the
scalded milk slowly, stirring constantly. Cook until of the right
consistency. This makes a medium thick sauce, the thickness of which can
be varied by increasing or diminishing the amount of flour. This is the
foundation for a great number of chafing dish recipes, such as creamed
dishes. A richer sauce may be made by substituting cream for milk and
omitting most of the butter.
Creamed Chicken.--
Prepare one cup of thin cream sauce and season with the celery salt and
curry powder. Add the chicken and when heated through pour over slices of
toast or into timbal cases. Garnish with parsley. Any desired seasonings
can be used in place of the celery and curry.
Chicken a la Goldenrod.--
Cut the eggs in slices, putting two yolks through a potato ricer. Make a
thin cream sauce, season as desired with celery seed or curry. Add the
chicken and mushrooms, drained from their liquor. When hot, and just
before serving, add the eggs. Pour the mixture over rounds of toast and
over the top of each portion sprinkle some of the yolk which was forced
through the potato ricer as a garnish. A bit of parsley improves the
appearance.
Creamed Beef.--
Prepare the cream sauce, add the beef and hard cooked eggs, cut into
slices. When heated through pour over toast diamonds. Garnish with parsley
and serve hot.
Cheese Fondue.--
2 cups grated cheese. 2 tablespoons butter.
1 cup soft bread crumbs. 1/2 teaspoon salt.
1 cup cream or milk. 1 teaspoon dry mustard.
3 eggs. 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
6 slices buttered toast.
Melt the butter and add the seasonings. When hot add the cheese and the
bread crumbs which have been soaked in the milk. When very hot add the egg
yolks which have been well beaten. Mix thoroughly, then fold in the whites
of eggs beaten stiff. Let cook several minutes over the hot water, then
pour over the buttered toast.
Curried Toast.--
Make a cream sauce using the curry as seasoning. Chop the eggs fine, add
to the cream sauce and when hot pour over the toast. Garnish with parsley.
Put the cream and seasonings in a dish. When almost boiling drop in the
eggs and put in the butter cut in bits. When the eggs are poached serve on
the toast which has been dipped in melted butter. Garnish with parsley.
Creamed Oysters.--
Remove the hard muscles from the oysters, scald and drain. Melt the
butter, add the cream and seasonings. Cayenne, celery salt, Worcestershire
sauce and onion juice are good seasonings. When this is hot add the
oysters, cook two minutes and serve on the toast. The bread should be
toasted on one side only. Sprinkle with the minced parsley.
Welsh Rarebit.--
Cut the cheese into small pieces and beat the eggs slightly. Put the
butter in the chafing dish, and when it is melted add the cheese and
seasonings, stirring constantly. Add the ale slowly and when smooth the
slightly beaten egg. Much of the success of a rarebit depends upon the
cheese. It should be smooth and creamy, and never stringy. Cook over hot
water. The rarebit may be served on toast or wafers.
Follow directions for welsh rarebit (above) adding the soda with the
cheese and the milk in place of the ale. Curry powder and celery salt make
good additions as seasoning.
Curry of Tomato.--
Select large, firm, fresh tomatoes. Peel and cut in slices. Melt the
butter in the blazer. Add the tomatoes and cook for several minutes. Add
the cream, flour and curry and seasonings. When hot serve on toast. Care
must be taken or the acid in the tomato will curdle the cream.
Salted Almonds.--
Cover the almonds with boiling water. Remove the skins, then soak for
several hours in strong salted water. Drain and dry. Put in enough olive
oil to cover the bottom of the blazer. Put in the nuts and cook until
brown. Drain on paper. A shorter method is to remove skins and dry the
nuts, then cook in olive oil until brown, and while draining to sprinkle
them with salt. Peanuts, pecans and walnuts can be prepared in the same
way. Butter may be substituted for olive oil, if desired.
[CANNING, PICKLING AND PRESERVING 830]
In this list are many of the foreign words used on menu cards in hotels,
with their translation:
Cafe--Coffee.
Frappe--Semi or half-frozen.
Fricasse--Stew.
Fromage--Cheese.
Glace--Frozen.
Menu--Bill of fare.
Consomme--Clear soup.
CANNING.
1. Apples and Quinces.--Pare and cut the apples and quinces, the same
amount of each. Cook the quinces in enough water to cover them until
tender. Remove these from the water and cook the apples in the same
liquid. When these are done put in a jar or kettle a layer of quinces,
then of apples until all are used. Pour over them a syrup made of a half
pound of sugar to pound of quinces, dissolved in a little water and let it
stand over night. The next day heat them thoroughly and seal in cans.
2. Apple Sauce.--Take as many apples as desired, pare them and cut in
quarters. Put in a stew pan filled about two-thirds with water and cook
until tender. Remove from the fire and beat up thoroughly, adding a
teaspoonful of butter to a quart of apple sauce, half cup sugar and grate
in a quarter of nutmeg. Serve with or without cream.
3. Apples to Can.--Cook the same as for apple sauce, leaving out all
seasoning and sugar. Put in glass jars and seal. When these are opened in
the winter, just add such seasoning as may be desired.
5. Canned Pears.--Prepare a syrup of one pint of water and one cup sugar
to one quart of fruit. Before doing this, have your pears all pared and
ready for the syrup when done. As you pare each piece of fruit drop it
into a dish of cold water. This will prevent the fruit from turning dark.
When the syrup has come to a fast boil, put in the pears carefully and
boil until they look clear and can be easily pierced with a fork, which
will probably be about twenty minute. Then done place in glass jars.
7. Canned Peaches.--Pare the peaches and cut in halves and lay in a dish
of cold water until ready to put in the syrup. Make a syrup of one quart
of hot water to a pound of sugar. Let this cook to a syrup, then add the
fruit. Cook about eight minutes. Put in glass jars and seal while hot.
8. Brandy Peaches.--Drop the fruit into hot water. Let it remain there
until the skin can be taken off easily. Make a very thin syrup and cover
the peaches, after skin has been removed. Boil in this thin syrup until
the fruit can be pierced with a straw. While these are cooking make
another syrup, very rich, into which put the fruit after it is done.
Remove this from the fire and add an equal quantity of brandy while the
syrup is still hot.
9. Canned Plums.--Wash the fruit well in cold water, then add one pound of
sugar to a pound of fruit and let boil ten minutes. When done put in glass
jars and seal while hot.
11. Canned Rhubarb.--Take rhubarb when it is young and tender, or even the
later plant will do, cut into pieces about an inch long. Wash well and put
in glass jars, into which has been poured a cupful of cold water. Fill the
jar full of the rhubarb and then cover completely with water. Seal and put
in a cool place. When opened in the winter time a few minutes' boiling
with sugar added will make a delightful sauce.
12. Canning Corn.--The following is one of the safest and surest ways of
canning sweet corn, without the use of acids or the necessity of putting
up the corn with tomatoes, etc. Cut the corn from the cob and put in glass
jars, pack down tightly and screw covers on loosely to allow the air to
escape. Set the jars in a boiler and fill the boiler with cold water until
it reaches the rim of the jars and let boil for four hours. Remove the
cans and when sufficiently cool tighten the lids and set them away. A good
plan is to place a board or some corn husks in the bottom of the boiler on
which to set the jars to prevent them from cracking. Corn will keep as
long as you want it if canned in this way.
13. Canned Grapes.--Take the grapes and wash them thoroughly. Have two
dishes on the table. Put the seeds in one dish and the skins in the other.
Boil the pulp until all the seeds come out easily, then put through a
sieve. Add the skins, allowing one-half pound sugar to one pound of fruit.
When done put either in glass jars or crocks, taking precaution to see
that they are sealed tightly in either case.
1. Tip-Top Pickles.--Take one peck green tomatoes, one dozen large onions.
Slice both of these in separate kettles, sprinkling salt between the
tomatoes, then letting them stand two hours. Pour scalding water over the
onions and let stand until wanted. After the tomatoes have stood the
desired length of time squeeze the liquid off from them, also the onions
and arrange in a crock in alternate layers, sprinkling celery seed between
them (white and black mustard seed). Pour over this a quart of vinegar and
a pint of sugar brought to a boil. This is ready for use when cold.
3. Sweet Apple Pickle.--Pare the apples, leaving them whole, then take
three pounds of sugar, two quarts of vinegar, one-half ounce each of
cloves and cinnamon. Boil them in part of the vinegar and sugar until
tender; then take them out, heat the remainder of the fluid and pour over
them. Care should be taken not to boil the apples too long, as they will
fall to pieces.
6. Pickled Peppers.--Select nice large peppers, cut off the stems and
rind. Then put into strong hot brine, repeating this for three mornings,
and then drain off and cover with hot vinegar. When wanted to use, take
out of brine and stuff with creamed sweetbreads and mushrooms and serve on
a lettuce leaf. This makes a very attractive and appetizing dish.
9. Chopped Pickles.--Chop and mix together one peck green tomatoes, two
large heads of cabbage, three green peppers, one small cup salt, let stand
over night and drain. Then cover with cider vinegar and boil until soft;
drain again and mix with one tablespoon cloves, same amount of mustard,
two pounds each of raisins and sugar, one-half cup grated horse-radish,
three chopped onions, celery and salt to taste. Hot vinegar enough to make
moist, can rather dry.
10. Pickled Onions.--Select small white onions, peel and boil them in
equal portions of sweet milk and water for ten minutes, or until tender,
drain and pour scalding spiced vinegar on them immediately. Never use
allspice, as it darkens the onions.
12. Pickled Grapes.--Select grapes that are not quite ripe, but dark
colored, pick from the stem and wash, put in glass jars; in a separate
kettle make a syrup of sugar and vinegar and boil a few minutes, add
spices to suit the taste; pour over grapes and seal jars.
13. Spiced Cherries.--Take nine pounds of fruit, one pint cider vinegar,
four pounds sugar, one-half ounce cinnamon bark, one-half ounce whole
cloves, let the syrup come to a boil before putting in the fruit; cook the
fruit until the skin breaks, then take out the fruit and boil the syrup
down until thick, pour over the fruit hot.
14. Beet Pickles.--Cook beets in hot water until tender. Then remove the
skin and if the beets are large slice them, as you would for table use.
Place these in a glass jar. Take a quart of cider vinegar, one cup
granulated sugar, teaspoonful of salt, let this come to a boil, then pour
over beets. If vinegar is very strong dilute about half. When these are
opened in the winter, you will think you are eating fresh beets from the
garden.
15. Pickled Cauliflower.--Choose good firm cauliflower, and full size. Cut
away all the leaves and pare the stalks. Pull away the flowers in bunches.
Steep in brine two days, then drain them, wipe dry and put in hot pickle.
16. Pickled Cabbage.--The cabbage should be sliced and salted for two or
three days, then placed before the fire for twenty-four hours, spread upon
a dry cloth, after which they are put into a jar, and covered with spiced
vinegar.
17. Cantelope Sweet Pickle.--Select melons not quite ripe, weighing about
seven pounds in all, put them in a weak brine over night. Then boil in
weak alum water until transparent. Take them out and place in a jar. Then
take 1 quart cider vinegar, 2 ounces stick cinnamon, 1 ounce cloves, 3
pounds granulated sugar; let this boil, then add the cantelope, cooking it
twenty minutes longer. Pour in a jar and close tight. Scald it over for
two mornings.
20. Mixed Pickles.--One quart boiled beets, chopped fine, one quart raw
cabbage chopped fine, two cups sugar, tablespoon of salt, one teaspoonful
red pepper, one cup grated horse-radish. Cover with cold vinegar and keep
from the air.
22. Sweet Pickled Peaches.--Boil together four pounds sugar and one pint
vinegar to twelve pounds of fruit. Add the fruit and let it come to a
boil; the next day drain off the liquor and boil again; do this three
times and your pickles are delicious; add cinnamon to the liquor and stick
two or three cloves in each peach.
23. Sweet Pickled Prunes.--Soak four pounds prunes for two or three hours,
then steam them ten or fifteen minutes. While the prunes are soaking, boil
together for ten minutes two pounds sugar, one pint vinegar, one ounce
each of cloves and cinnamon and one-fourth of an ounce of ginger. After
the prunes have been strained, pour the hot vinegar over them and boil all
together until the prunes are soft. These are delicious.
24. Celery Sauce that Mother Used to Make.--Take fifteen large ripe
tomatoes, two red peppers, two onions, two and one-half cups vinegar, two
stalks (arrowroot) celery, eight tablespoons sugar, two spoons salt; chop
all fine and boil one and one-half hours.
25. Spiced Tomatoes.--Take red and yellow pear-shaped tomatoes; prick two
or three times with a fork, sprinkle with salt, let stand over night, pack
in a glass jar and cover with vinegar, prepared as follows, for a
half-gallon jar: 1 pint vinegar, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoonful
ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoonful ground allspice, 1 teaspoonful pepper, 1
tablespoon sugar. Let this come to a boil and pour over the tomatoes;
after they get cold tie strong paper over them.
26. Ripe Cucumber Pickles.--Take twelve large cucumbers and remove the
pulp. Cut them in strips about two inches wide and four inches long. Let
these stand while you boil for a few minutes the following: 2 pounds
sugar, 1 ounce cinnamon, 1/2 ounce cloves, 1 pint vinegar. Be sure and
skim this while it is boiling, then put in the cucumbers, letting them
cook until tender. Take the cucumbers out and let the liquor boil for
fifteen minutes. Pour this over the cucumbers and cover tight.
27. Green Tomato Pickles.--Chop a peck of green tomatoes and stir in half
a cupful of salt. Let these drain over night. Then add 3 green peppers,
chopped, 1 teacup of grated horseradish, 2 quarts of vinegar, 1 teacupful
of sugar. Let this all boil, stirring occasionally, gently, until the
tomatoes are tender, then add a large spoonful of cinnamon and cloves.
These are very good and easily kept.
28. Pickled Tomatoes.--Select tomatoes that are thoroughly ripe, and let
them lie in strong salt and water for four days; then put them down in
layers in jars, mixing with them small onions and pieces of horseradish;
then pour on vinegar, cold, after having spiced it. Be sure and use plenty
of spices, cover carefully and let stand for a month before using.
29. Green Tomato Sauce, for Meats or Fish.--Slice two gallons of green
tomatoes without peeling; slice one dozen good sized onions; one quart of
sugar, two quarts vinegar, two tablespoons each of salt, ground mustard,
and ground black pepper, one tablespoonful of cloves and allspice. Mix all
together and stew until tender, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
Put up in small glass jars.
30. Chili Sauce.--One peck ripe tomatoes, one pint vinegar, one cup sugar,
two red peppers, three sweet peppers, six large onions, one tablespoon
each of cinnamon, pepper and salt. Chop the onions and peppers fine. Boil
for two hours.
31. Tomato Relish.--One peck good ripe tomatoes, chop and drain, 3 large
onions, a peppers, red or green, 3 heads celery, chopped fine, 3/4 cup
salt, 2 pounds brown sugar, 2 oz. white mustard seed, 1 oz. cinnamon, a
pints vinegar. After the tomatoes have drained thoroughly, mix in the
balance of the recipe. Do not cook; keep in a jar. This relish cannot be
beaten. Everyone will like it.
32. Tomato Catsup No. 1.--Take one gallon ripe tomatoes, peel them, one
teaspoon allspice, one tablespoon mustard, one red pepper; let all boil,
then strain and to this add one tablespoon salt, one teaspoon ground
pepper, one teacup vinegar, two pounds granulated sugar. Let all of this
boil until reasonably thick, or as thick as desired.
33. Aunt Mary's Catsup.--One cup onions, one peck ripe tomatoes (chopped),
one and one-half cups celery, one cup horseradish (grated), one cup sugar,
half cup salt, one cup white mustard seed, two red peppers, one teaspoon
each of black pepper, ground cloves, mace, cinnamon and celery seed, one
quart vinegar. Drain tomatoes thoroughly, before adding spices. Keep this
in stone jars and tie closely and it will keep nicely for a year or more.
35. Spiced Vinegar for Pickles.--(This can be used generally for pickles.)
1 gallon of vinegar, 1 pound of sugar, 2 tablespoonfuls of allspice, 2
tablespoonfuls mustard seed, 2 tablespoonfuls celery seed, 2
tablespoonfuls salt, 1 tablespoonful of tumeric powder, 1 tablespoonful of
black pepper, 1 tablespoonful mace, 2 nutmegs, grated, 3 onions, 1 handful
grated horseradish. This can always be relied upon as good.
37. Bottled Pickles.--Wash the pickles and pour boiling water over them,
letting them stand for four hours; to every gallon of vinegar take 1
teacup of sugar, 1 teacup of salt, 1 teaspoonful of pulverized alum, one
ounce of cinnamon bark, 1/4 of an ounce of whole cloves. Boil spice and
vinegar and pour over the pickles. Seal while hot.
38. Sliced Cucumbers.--Peel and slice one gallon of cucumbers and soak
them over night in weak salt water. Drain and put them in weak vinegar on
the stove and let them get hot; drain and pack in glass jars. Then bring
to a boil, one quart vinegar, a few slices of onions, sugar and spices to
taste. Then pour this over the cucumbers, while hot, and seal.
39. Grandmother's Dill Pickles.--Fill a stone jar with alternate layers of
grape leaves, fresh cucumbers, dill and salt. Cover with water and an
inverted plate; place a brick on the plate to keep all under water. The
cucumbers will be ready for use in about two weeks.
40. Mustard Pickles.--Wash the pickles and put in fruit jars, then cover
with the following dressing, do not cook the pickles or dressing: 1 cup
salt, 2 cups dark brown sugar, 1 cup Colman's mustard, 1 gallon vinegar,
mix together and put over pickles.
41. Green Tomato Pickles.--One bushel tomatoes, slice and put in salt
water over night. The next morning put tomatoes in kettle after draining
them, with five pounds of brown sugar, 1/4 cup cloves, ten cents worth
cinnamon stick, two quarts vinegar. Boil until the tomatoes are tender.
44. Grape Catsup.--Select grapes that are ripe, but not soft. Pick them
over carefully and add to five pounds of grapes, half as much sugar (by
weight), 1 pint vinegar, two or three ounces of mixed spices, and salt to
taste. Boil until it thickens. Bottle when cold.
46. Sweet Mixed Pickles.--For sweet mixed pickles, scrape and wash half a
dozen young carrots, and parboil in salted water for three or four
minutes, then drain and set aside to cool; meanwhile cut into strips. Then
take six green tomatoes, three large white onions, one large red pepper,
(taking out the seeds) three sour apples, one small cupful of tender
string beans, and finally the carrots treated in the same manner; place
all these ingredients together in the preserving kettle in which they are
to be cooked, adding salt and a very little paprika and allow them to
stand for twelve hours. When ready to cook drain off the water that will
have formed, adding sufficient vinegar to well moisten, one cupful of
sugar, a tablespoon olive oil and two teaspoonfuls of celery seed tied in
a piece of muslin, for about five minutes. Remove from the fire and mix in
quickly half a teaspoonful ground English mustard blended with a little
vinegar; seal immediately in small well-closed jars.
47. Corn Relish.--One dozen ears of corn, one large cabbage, one large red
pepper, chop all these up fine together, mix thoroughly and add one pound
of brown sugar and one quart of vinegar, salt to suit taste. Let this all
come to a boil.
48. Mustard Pickles.--One hundred small cucumbers (if you get the larger
ones cut them in two), one-half peck of the tiny white onions, large head
of cauliflower, one pound brown sugar, 1-1/2 cups flour, 1/2 pound
mustard, five cents worth of tumeric powder, one cup salt. The cucumbers
are to be soaked in salt and water over night and drained in the morning,
put in the vinegar and let come to a boil, then add your onions and
cauliflower. Take the flour, mustard and tumeric powder, work to a cream
with a little vinegar, then gradually stir into the boiling vinegar to
thicken it. Boil this all about fifteen minutes. Watch every minute as
this scorches very easily.
49. Spiced Currants.--Steam and wash the fruit carefully, and for every
four pounds of currants take two pounds of brown sugar, one pint cider
vinegar, one tablespoon each of ground cinnamon, cloves, mace, nutmeg and
allspice. Put in the fruit and boil all together for a half hour. Fill
into wide mouthed bottles, lay a paper wet with vinegar over the currants
and tie up the mouth of the bottle with paper.
51. Ginger Pears.--Peel a dozen large pears which are not quite ripe and
cut into long, thin strips. Add two-thirds as much sugar as you have
fruit, the juice of a lemon, two-thirds cupful of water and a
desertspoonful of ginger. Boil all together until the fruit is
transparent, and serve as a relish.
52. Tomato Soye.--One peck of ripe tomatoes, one dozen large onions, three
large red peppers, one gallon best vinegar, twenty-four tablespoonfuls
brown sugar, twelve teaspoonfuls ground cinnamon, twelve teaspoonfuls of
salt, six teaspoonfuls of ground ginger and six teaspoonfuls of ground
cloves. Chop the tomatoes, onions and peppers fine and add the other
ingredients. Let simmer for three hours.
54. Chili Sauce.--Take five large onions, eight green peppers, and chop
fine with thirty ripe tomatoes. Add five tablespoonfuls of brown sugar,
three tablespoonfuls of salt and eight cupfuls of vinegar. Boil all
together two and a half hours and bottle for use.
55. Green Tomato Pickles.--Half bushel green tomatoes, six large onions,
six large peppers, one-fourth pound white mustard seed, and three
tablespoonfuls celery seed. Chop all fine together, put in layers, one of
tomatoes and onions and one of salt, using in all a half cupful of salt.
Let stand over night. In the morning squeeze dry and put on to boil in two
quarts of vinegar. Cook until tender, when nearly done, add one pound of
sugar, put in cans and seal.
Green Beans Pickles.--"Green beans with the strings taken off and placed
in a kettle, salted and cooked until tender, then place in jars, fill with
good cider vinegar and seal tightly."
PRESERVES.
2. Preserved Pears.--Pare the fruit and drop into a bowl of cold water to
preserve the color. When all are pared, put into a pan of clear, cold
water, and boil until almost tender. Make a syrup of the water in which
the pears were boiled, allowing one pound of sugar to each half pint of
water. Drop the pears into the syrup and cook them slowly until they can
be pierced with a silver fork. Put the fruit into hot jars and cover with
boiling syrup. Seal.
3. Fig and Rhubarb Preserve.--Wash dry and cut up three pounds of figs and
seven pounds of rhubarb, put them into a basin, add six pounds of sugar,
one cupful of water, two heaping teaspoonfuls of ground ginger and the
juice of two large lemons. Cover and leave for twelve hours. Boil for half
an hour. Divide into jars and cover. This is an excellent preserve and
keeps well.
6. Lemon Butter.--Take two nice large lemons, grate the rind and use the
juice, two eggs, two cups of sugar, small lump of butter. Boil ten minutes
in double boiler.
8. Apricot Preserves.--Pare the fruit very thin and stone it. Place the
fruit in a porcelain or granite kettle, first a layer of fruit, then a
layer of sugar, using pound for pound of sugar. Let this stand in the
kettle for a day. The next day boil very gently until they are clear. Then
place the fruit in a large pan or bowl and pour the liquor over them. The
following day pour the liquor into a quart of codlin liquor, this being
made by boiling and straining a pound of fine sugar with just enough water
to make a syrup. Let the whole boil quickly until it will jelly. Put the
fruit into it and bring to a boil, being careful to remove all the scum.
Then put up in small jars.
10. Citron and Quince Preserves.--Pare and cut the citron into inch
pieces; boil hard in a medium strong alum water thirty minutes; drain and
boil in fresh water till the color is changed and they are tender; wash
the quinces carefully, pare, quarter, core and halve the quarters; boil
the cores and parings in water to cover them, an hour and a half; remove
them and add the prepared juice to the liquid; boil, and when they begin
to be tender, add the citron and three-fourths of a pound of white sugar
to every pound of the fruit. These are delicious.
11. Preserved Pears.--Have a pan of cold water ready to drop pears into
after they are pared, halved and the cores removed. This will prevent them
from turning black. Select smooth, sweet pears of a kind which will not
break when cooked. Put a little over one quart of granulated sugar into
your preserving kettle; add just water enough to moisten the sugar; when
warm put into this two quarts of pears; let them cook very slowly several
hours; when the syrup is thick put your fruit in jars.
12. Pineapple Preserves.--Pare and slice the pineapple. Then weigh the
fruit and allow a pound of sugar to a pound of fruit; then put a layer of
the slices in a jar and cover them with a layer of sugar; do this until
the apples and sugar are used up; let them stand over night. The next
morning take the apples out of the syrup, cook the syrup until it
thickens, replace the apples and boil fifteen minutes; remove the
pineapple from the syrup and let them cool, then put in jars and pour the
syrup over them. A few pieces of ginger root boiled in the syrup will
improve it.
16. Spiced Currants.--Three pounds white sugar, five pounds ripe currants,
one tablespoonful each of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Boil
currants one hour, then add sugar, spices and a half pint vinegar, boil a
half hour longer.
19. Preserved Pears.--Peel the fruit which should not be overripe, cut
into halves, extract cores and throw at once into a dish of cold water.
From the water put into jars, arranging the pieces as compactly as
possible, cover with cold water and then drain off. Make a syrup of sugar
and water, allowing a teacupful of sugar to a jar and fill the jars to the
brim; put on the covers, without rubbers and place in a kettle of cold
water over the fire. The water in the kettle should come to the neck of
the jars. Note carefully when the water comes to a boil, and let it boil
twenty minutes or more, according to ripeness of the fruit. Take the jars
from the water, adjust the rubbers and screw on the tops tighter and
tighter as the jars cool. A plated knife should be used in peeling the
fruit as a steel one discolors the fruit.
20. Preserved Peaches.--Plunge the fruit into boiling water to make the
skins come off easily, then throw into cold water. For three pounds of
fruit use one pound of sugar and half a teacup of water. When the syrup
boils put in the peaches, a few at a time, and cook until tender. Fill
jars as for pears. The stones will add to the flavor.
21. Brandied Peaches.--Put the peaches in boiling water for a few minutes,
when the skin will peel off easily. Make a syrup of half a pound of sugar
and half a teacupful of water for each pound of peaches. Skim as the scum
rises in boiling, then put in the peaches and boil them gently until
tender, no longer. Take them out carefully and fill your cans or jars.
Remove the syrup from the fire, and add to it half a pint of best brandy
to every pound of peaches.
22. Preserved Quinces.--Pare and quarter, taking out cores and all hard
parts. Boil in clear water until tender; spread out to dry. Allow a half
pound of sugar and one-third cup water to a pound of fruit. When the syrup
boils, put in the fruit, set back on stove and cook very slowly for an
hour or more if not too tender, as the longer it cooks the brighter will
be the color. Put in jars, the same as other fruit.
24. Purple Plums Preserved.--A very fine preserve can be made from these
plums, if you take equal weight of fruit and sugar. Take a clear stone jar
and fill it with the fruit and sugar. First a layer of fine granulated
sugar, then the plums and so on until the jar is filled. Cover them and
set the jar in a kettle of water over the fire. Let them stand in the
boiling water all day, filling up the kettle as the water boils away. If
at any time they seem likely to ferment, repeat this process. Any
housewife trying this recipe will be greatly pleased with the results.
25. Spiced Grapes.--Select five pounds of nice grapes, pulp them, and boil
until tender. After the pulps are thoroughly cooked, strain through a
sieve, then add to it three pounds of sugar, two teaspoonfuls of cinnamon
and allspice, and half teaspoonful of cloves. Add enough vinegar and
spices to suit the taste. Boil thoroughly and cool. This is very nice.
26. Spiced Peaches.--Take five pounds of peaches, wipe them thoroughly and
boil until tender in one quart of vinegar and two pounds of brown sugar.
When done remove them from the liquid, and add one ounce each of cinnamon,
cloves and mace. Boil the liquid for some time after the spices have been
added, then place the fruit in jars and pour this over them.
27. Pear Chips.--Ten pounds of pears sliced thin, seven pounds of sugar,
four lemons boiled soft; press out the juice and pulp; chop the peel very
fine. Boil the fruit and sugar together until soft, then add the lemon, a
half pound green ginger root scraped and cut into small pieces. Let the
above mixture boil until quite thick. This can be placed in jelly glasses,
and will keep nicely. This is an excellent recipe.
1. Crab Apple Jelly.--Select nice ripe apples, wash and cut out any
imperfections; place on the stove and cover with water, cook slowly until
soft enough to strain, then take them off and drain through a jelly bag.
To every four pints of juice use three pints of sugar; heat the sugar very
warm in the oven. Boil the juice fourteen minutes, stir in warm sugar, and
boil altogether three to five minutes, then turn into moulds or jelly
glasses.
2. Apple Jelly.--After you have selected nice tart, juicy apples of good
flavor, pare them, core and quarter, then put them with the skins and
cores, in a jar in a slow oven. When they are quite soft, strain all
through a coarse muslin bag, pressing hard to extract all the flavor of
the fruit. Put a pound of loaf sugar to every pint of juice and the juice
of one lemon, and put the liquor over the fire in a preserving kettle.
Boil steadily for twenty minutes or so, skimming occasionally. Boil the
jelly glasses in hot water and fill them with the jelly while hot. This
jelly will keep for an unlimited time if kept in a cool, dry place.
4. Blackberry Jelly.--Cook the berries until tender, then strain the juice
from them. Add an equal quantity of sugar. Boil hard for twenty minutes,
then pour into moulds or jelly glasses.
6. Grape Jelly.--Select grapes that are partially ripe, as they make the
prettiest jelly, and to every eight pounds of fruit take a large cupful of
water; put them into a porcelain-lined kettle and boil until quite soft;
strain through a cloth. Measure the juice, then measure and put away the
same quantity of sugar. Let the juice boil half an hour, then add the
sugar and let it boil five or ten minutes longer. All jellies to be good,
should have nearly all the boiling done before the sugar is added.
7. Rhubarb and Apple Jelly.--Cut up your rhubarb and wash it; put on the
fire without any water at all. Take good sour apples, pare and quarter and
cook in a very little water. Strain the juice from both and put them on
the stove to cook for fifteen minutes. Then add the heated sugar, using
three-fourths as much sugar as juice. Boil hard for twenty minutes, turn
into glasses and set in the sun, if possible, for half a day. Seal the
next day.
8. Spiced Grape Jelly.--Take grapes half ripe, crush all the juice out
well and strain. Take equal quantities of juice and sugar; to each quart
of juice add one-half teaspoonful of cloves and one tablespoonful
cinnamon. Cook very hard for twenty minutes, then remove from the stove
and pour into glasses.
9. Rhubarb Jelly.--After the rhubarb has been thoroughly washed and cut up
in small pieces, stew until tender in a preserving kettle. Strain through
a jelly rag and flavor with extract of lemon. Put in enough to suit the
taste. To each pint of juice add a pound of sugar; boil until it jellies
on the skimmer, then remove and place in glasses. Keep in a cool place.
10. Orange Marmalade.--Cut the oranges in half; remove the pulp with a
spoon, take one lemon to five oranges, preparing the same way. Then cut
the shells of the oranges in two, scrape out the white lining and put the
skins on to boil; weigh the pulp, take half as much sugar, and simmer
together fifteen minutes. When the skins are transparent and tender, take
up, putting several pieces together, cut it quickly into the narrowest
possible strips. Mix these with pulp and sugar; cook until very thick. Put
in glasses and then when cold, seal.
12. Plum and Apple Jam.--After canning plums, there is often some left,
not enough to fill a can; a very nice jam can be made of this by putting
it through a sieve; and adding the same quantity of good apples, cooked.
Sweeten to taste and put in a very little cinnamon and cloves. Cook an
hour, then tie up in jars when cold.
14. Raspberry Jams.--To three or four pounds of ripe red raspberries add
an equal quantity of white sugar. Crush the whole well in a preserving
kettle; add one pint of currant juice and boil gently until it jellies
upon a cold plate; put into a small jar and cover with brandied paper. Tie
over them a thick paper and keep in a dark, cool, dry place.
16. Peach Jelly.--Cook peaches and add a few kernels; when done strain. To
one pint of peach liquor add one lemon and one pound of sugar. Dry and
heat the sugar in a separate pan and let the peach liquor boil twenty
minutes. Then add the sugar and boil a few minutes longer. This is very
nice.
17. Gooseberry Jam.--To one pound of pulped fruit, add three-fourths pound
of sugar. Stew the berries in a little water, press through a coarse sieve
or colander. Then place on the stove again and add sugar. Boil
three-quarters of an hour, stirring constantly. Pour in jars or jelly
glasses.
CANDY MAKING
Flavor and Color.--At this point add the flavoring. Make little holes in
the fondant with the fingers and put in each a little of the flavoring,
working it through the mass. The essential oils are better than extracts.
Three or four drops of any of the oils will flavor a pound of fondant.
Three cents worth would be sufficient for a number of pounds. The flavor
should not be strong. About a teaspoonful of any extract will be
sufficient. If it is desirable to have two or more flavors, divide the
fondant into the required number of portions, and have an assistant take
up the kneading of each. Work the fondant until it is creamy. The pure
food laws discourage the use of colorings, and it is difficult for the
amateur to procure them in economical quantities. Cochineal can always be
had and provides any number of shades of pink. Spinach heated over steam,
and the juice expressed, gives a pretty green which is perfectly harmless.
Work into the fondant as you used the flavoring oil or extract. The above
ingredients will make one pound of fondant, all the beginners should
undertake at one time. It may be kept for some time by packing it in glass
cans and sealing tightly. The fondant should "mellow" for at least
twenty-four hours before being used, especially as centers for chocolate
creams, etc.; and these in turn should stand as long before being dipped.
It is also advisable to let the bon-bons stand a day at least before being
wrapped and packed. Choose a dry, clear, quiet day to make fondant, and do
not attempt to work with it in wet weather; it is very sensitive to
atmospheric conditions.
Making the Bon-bons.--After the fondant has stood the required interval it
is ready to make up. Here comes in play the ingenuity of the candy maker
in the employment of various accessories. Candied cherries, candied
violets and rose petals, angelica, dates, figs, hard jellies, raisins,
white grapes, crystallized ginger, cocoanuts, marshmallows, nuts, all are
employed, while chocolate is used in so many forms that it gives rise to
an entire class of candies. When ready to make up the bon-bons, roll the
fondant out evenly and cut in squares of equal size; shape these with the
fingers. The hands must be frequently dipped into ice water and wiped dry,
but never greased. Roll the fondant into a ball; while still in the hand,
press into the top an English walnut meat, or whatever decoration is
desired, and lay on paraffin paper to harden. Another class is made by
using a nut meat, say a blanched almond or pecan meat, a raisin, etc., as
center, and rolling the fondant round it. The ball may be rolled in beaten
white of egg and then in coarse white sugar. By using various centers, and
ornamenting the tops differently a great variety of bon-bons may be made;
in fact, hundreds or even thousands can be worked out by changing the
flavor, nuts, coloring, etc.
Chocolate Creams.--To make chocolate creams, roll the fondant into balls
of uniform size; let them stand on paraffin paper twenty-four hours or
more. Also coat nut meats, raisins, candied cherries, etc., with fondant.
In making a small quantity of chocolate dipped candies, get a small bowl
that will fit into the top of the teakettle; into this cut half a pound of
unsweetened chocolate and a lump of paraffin as large as a black walnut,
and let them melt; when smooth and well mixed let cool a little, and then
set on a hot soapstone. Have ready a colander and a long darning needle.
Cover the bottom of the colander with paraffin paper, stick the point of
the needle into the piece to be dipped, immerse in the melted chocolate,
let it drip a moment, then push the eye of the needle through one of the
holes in the colander, reach the other hand under and pull out the needle.
There then remains no disfiguring hole in the bottom of the cream. When
the colander is filled, lift the paper very, very carefully, and put in a
cool place to harden. Unless the colander must be used again it is best to
let the creams stand in it to harden. Nut meats, white grapes, candied
cherries and the like, may be dipped in the melted chocolates and coated
like the creams. If the chocolate gets too thick, thin it with a little
olive oil or unsalted butter; not with water which will make it grain.
Chocolate Creams. No. 2.--Put two cups of granulated sugar into half a cup
of sweet cream. Boil five minutes from the time it begins to boil hard.
Set the pan into cold water and stir in the flavoring, a teaspoonful of
vanilla, usually. Stir until the candy is so stiff that stirring is
difficult; drop from a spoon on waxed paper; as it hardens, mould into
balls, and dip in chocolate as above.
Chocolate Caramels.--Put together over the fire one cup of molasses and
two teacupfuls of sugar. Add a quarter of a pound of grated chocolate and
a piece of butter the size of an egg. Boil, without stirring, fifteen to
twenty minutes; pour into flat buttered dishes to a depth of one-third of
an inch, and when nearly cold cut into squares. Wrap each in a square of
paraffin paper.
Chocolate Nut Caramels.--Boil together a cup of molasses, a cup of sugar
and half a cup of sweet milk until a little hardens in cold water. Cut
into it a piece of butter the size of an egg and add a cup of chopped
nuts. Proceed as above.
MAPLE CANDIES. Maple Creams.--Beat thoroughly one cup of the best maple
syrup and the while of one egg. With XXX confectioners' sugar, make it
into a stiff fondant or paste. Use as the centers for bon-bons, or make
into balls to be dipped into chocolate.
Maple Creams No. 2.--To two pounds of maple sugar add a cup of water and a
quarter teaspoonful cream of tartar. Shave the sugar, and stir till
dissolved. Boil without stirring to the soft ball stage; let stand in the
kettle until cool, not cold; beat until creamy and pour into a shallow
buttered pan.
Maple Balls.--Boil without stirring, two cups of shaved maple sugar and a
cup of water. At the hard ball stage add a heaping tablespoonful of good
butter. Beat till creamy. As soon as it can be handled form into balls and
press the half of an English walnut or pecan on one side.
Molasses Taffy No. 2.--Four cups of sugar, two of molasses, half a cup of
vinegar. Boil till it hardens in cold water, then add a tablespoonful of
soda dissolved in a little water. Pour into buttered dishes and pull when
sufficiently cool to handle.
Nut Loaf.--Chop nutmeats into small pieces and work into fondant. Make
into a roll, and after standing a day or two, cut into slices. Chopped
dates, figs and raisins may be used in the same way.
Peanut Candy.--Carefully remove the shells and brown skins from roasted
peanuts. Put them an inch thick in a buttered pan. Boil a pound of crushed
loaf sugar with three gills of water and a salt spoon of cream of tartar
(to prevent graining) dissolved in water, to the caramel stage. The
instant the sugar reaches that point, shown by its beginning to brown, it
must be removed from the fire and the pan set in cold water to check the
boiling; then pour over the nuts.
Pop Corn Candy.--Boil two cups of sugar, two tablespoonfuls of butter and
a cup of water until it threads. Stir in four quarts of nice popped corn,
rejecting all hard kernels, take from the fire and stir till cool. Make
into balls.
Sour Drops.--Strain the juice of three or four large lemons into a bowl,
and stir in powdered loaf sugar till it is quite thick. Put into a pan and
let boil five minutes, stirring constantly. Drop from the end of a spoon
upon writing paper, and when dry keep in tin cannisters. Tartaric acid is
generally used by commercial candy makers, but is much more injurious to
health.
Cream Dates.--Remove the stones from nice dates. Replace them with the
roll of flavored fondant. Or roll a blanched almond in fondant and stuff
the date with it.
A Few Hints.--Many candy makers consider coffee A sugar, better than the
granulated, as being purer. Choose a sugar that is dry, uniform in quality
and with hard, sparkling crystals. Cane sugar is greatly to be preferred
over beet sugar. When you can, let the sugar and water stand together for
some time. The syrup may be stirred until it reaches the boiling point,
but not afterward. Unless otherwise specified, cook over a hot fire. The
syrup passes quickly from one degree to another and must be tested often
and carefully. Cream of tartar must be dissolved in a little warm water
before being put into the syrup. So also must soda. If you use nuts, be
careful to remove every particle of shell and skin before putting them
into the syrup. Almonds are blanched by letting them stand in boiling
water for a few minutes and then nipping off the skins between the
fingers. They should be warmed in the oven before being put into the
syrup. Dessicated cocoanut should be steamed a few minutes before being
used; put in a dish in a colander over boiling water. Use the fresh
cocoanut if you can get it. Bonbons made of fondant are probably the
easiest form of candy making for the amateur to attempt, and the most
interesting on account of the variety possible through the use of other
materials in combination.
HOUSEKEEPERS' ALPHABET.
Economize health, time, and means and you will never beg.
Ink Stains.--Wet with spirits of turpentine; after three hours, rub well.
Jars.--To prevent, coax husband to your will rather than order him.
Keep an account of all supplies with cost and date when purchased.
Rice.--Select the large, with a clear fresh look; old rice may have
insects.
Use a cement made of ashes, salt and water for cracks in stove.
4. In Case of Sickness.--In our home, when hot cloths are needed wet ones
are put in a steamer, and water kept boiling underneath. In this way the
cloths are more easily handled and can be applied as hot as needed.
6. For Chilblains.--To relieve the chilblains bathe the feet in warm water
at night, then rub them with castor oil. This method will cure very bad
cases.
8. A Use for Sacks.--Save all salt and sugar sacks; wash and boil them and
they can be put to various uses. Salt sacks are nice to strain jellies
through; are also nice to bake veal or beef loaf in. Sugar sacks make nice
dish-towels.
9. Soap With Stove Blacking.--Use a half bar of laundry soap, and one cake
of blacking. Put in an old kettle with three quarts of water. Boil down
until thick. This will last a year.
10. To Remove White Spots from Tables.--Wring cloths out of very hot
water, lay them over spot and remove quickly. Repeat if necessary. When
dry, rub the furniture with some of the good polish.
11. To Clean Mirrors.--To clean a French mirror which has grown dull, rub
with a cloth soaked in alcohol; follow this by rubbing with a dry cloth.
The dullness will vanish, and the mirror will look like new. This method
is used for cut glass with excellent result.
12. To Whiten Linen.--If you want your table linen to last do not use
bleaching preparations. Use only clean soap and soft water. If the water
is not soft, add a little ammonia.
15. Uses for Old Velvet.--A bit of velvet is a fine polisher for brass. It
quickly removes the dust from woodwork, or shoes soiled from walking which
do not need reblacking. For dusting a felt hat there is nothing better
than a piece of chiffon velvet. It is also good to keep the bottom of a
silk skirt free from the dirt. One housekeeper even uses a big piece of
old velvet to rub her stove to a high polish after it has been blackened.
19. Burn from Acid or Lye.--In case of a burn with carbolic acid or lye,
the speedy application of sweet oil or olive oil will give almost instant
relief.
20. To Wash Laces.--To wash delicate or tender laces put the lace in a
fruit jar with shavings of some good soap, cover with warm water, let soak
for awhile then shake, using if necessary several waters, then rinse in
same manner, spread between pieces of muslin and roll up on a bottle or
jar, and leave to dry. They will not be torn in this way and will look
like new.
21. For Cut or Bruise.--Bind sugar and turpentine on the wound or bruise
at once. The healing properties of this simple remedy cannot be surpassed.
23. Whipping Cream.--If cream does not whip well, add to it the white of
an egg, and the result will be very satisfactory.
24. To Clean Lamp Burners.--To remove the black gummy coating which
sometimes comes on the brass parts of lamp burners, moisten the cloth with
common household ammonia, rub it on sapolio, and apply it to the coated
surface with the aid of a little elbow grease. A bright brassy surface
will soon appear.
25. To Preserve Hot Water Bottle.--Fill with air, cork tightly, and hang
in a cool dry place. This keeps the walls of the bottle from coming in
contact with each other and prevents deterioration and decay.
26. Sweep Stairs with Paint Brush.--My mother uses a paint brush with long
bristles for sweeping her stairs. With its use the work is more quickly
and thoroughly done than by the old way, because the bristles reach every
corner and crack as a cloth cannot do.
27. Washing Hair Brushes.--To wash hair brushes take a piece of washing
soda, dissolve it in warm water, and stand the brush in it, taking care
that the water covers only the bristles. It will almost instantly become
clean and white. Place it in the air to dry, bristles downward, and it
will be as firm as a new brush.
28. Loops on Towels.--Always have a loop on each end of the kitchen towel,
where a roller is not used. Otherwise all the soil and the wear come on
the lower end.
29. Changing Pillow Slips.--To change pillow slips without scattering the
feathers all over the house, sew up the clean tick, all except a space of
about twelve inches. Take the full pillow unopened and baste one side of
the empty one to the full one. Then with a knife slit open the seam of the
pillow, the twelve-inch space. Quickly baste the other sides together so
they will not come apart easily. Then slowly push the feathers into the
clean and empty tick, and when finished undo the basting and sew tightly.
Soak the soiled ticks in cold water immediately to remove remaining
feathers.
30. Use of Old Linen Collars.--Cut them up into narrow strips and use them
for gas-lighting instead of using wax tapers. They make a steady flame
and do not drip grease.
31. Discarded Toys.--My baby came in the other day hugging to his breast a
toy tin goat. It was evidently one of the discarded playthings of a
neighbor's child. On inquiry I found that the toy had been given to my
boy, and he has taken so much pleasure in this castoff plaything that I
have been saving his old toys and passing them on to other children of the
neighborhood. I have discovered that in their baby hearts these are as
good as new, because they have never played with them. It is nothing to
them that they are not just out of the store.
32. To Clean Silver.--Try curdled milk for cleaning your silverware. Let
the silver stand for several hours in the milk, and you will be surprised
at the result.
33. Removing Stains.--Damp salt will remove egg stains from silver and tea
stains from cups.
34. To Keep Free from Mould.--Jelly and jam can be kept entirely free from
mould by pouring a thin layer of melted paraffin on top. This paraffin can
be saved when the jelly is taken from the glass and used the next season
so the cost is very small.
[860 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
35. Hanging Out Clothes.--The other day I came across a peculiar clothes
bar. It was the same as any other, except that the crossbars had been
removed, and for them ropes had been substituted. The owner told me she
had had her husband fix it for her the previous winter when she was
bothered with salt rheum. "I hang up all the baby's little things,
fastening them with clothespins, right here in the house where it is
warm," she explained. "Then it is but the work of a moment to take the
whole thing out of doors, and there is no fishing around for the tiny
things when my hands are so cold they feel as though they would drop off."
36. A Fine Cutting Board.--I measured the top of my kitchen cabinet, and
had a piece of zinc cut to fit it, allowing an inch for turning over the
edges. My husband tacked it on, and I can cut meat and bread or anything
on it, without harming it in the least, besides using it as a moulding
board.
39. How to Keep Cookies from Burning.--To keep cookies from burning on the
bottom, turn the baking pan upside down and bake on the bottom of the pan.
41. To Clean Sieve.--Hold a sieve which has been used for straining
oatmeal, tomatoes, fruit, etc., at once under the faucet, or shake it in
enough water to cover it, then slap it, and it is easily cleaned; if it
dries first it is almost impossible to get it clean even by more time and
effort.
42. Washing Clothes.--After the clothes have been soaked a while to loosen
the dirt, spread on washboard, soap, and then rub with a common scrub
brush. The dirt comes out easier and with much less wear on the clothes.
Even when the washing machine is used, this is a help for the wrist bands
that are not quite clean.
46. How to Kill Black Ants.--A request for information as to how to rid
plants and trees of black ants, which was received at the Pennsylvania
department of agriculture's division of zoology, elicited the following
from Prof. H. A. Surface, State Zoologist. You can do this by finding the
nesting places of the pests and making holes into the interior of them
with a sharpened stick like a broom handle and pouring into each hole a
half tea cup of carbon bisulphide. Fill the hole with earth and cover with
a wet cloth or blanket to keep down the fumes and the ants will be
destroyed at once. This is the best possible method for destroying ants of
any kind.
48. Home-made Soap Shaker.--A baking powder can with holes punctured in
both cover and bottom, makes a fine soap shaker. Put all the small scraps
of soap in this, and when you wash dishes, just put box and all in your
dishpan and shake about. You will have a nice suds and no soap rubbing off
on the dishes.
49. Cleaning Rugs.--When cleaning rugs first lay them out straight and
brush with a stiff dry scrubbing brush. You will be surprised at the
amount of dirt that is loosened and comes out in this way.
54. Clean Linoleum.--To clean linoleum add one cupful of beeswax, shaved
fine, to two cupfuls of turpentine and set on the back of the stove to
melt. When cool it will be thick and ready for use. First thoroughly clean
the linoleum and then apply the paste with a soft cloth. Rub in well, then
polish with a dry cloth, preferably flannel. Linoleum treated in this
manner will look like new.
55. For Broken Needles.--A receptacle for broken needles in her work
basket would be a boon to any woman, and this one which I am about to
describe is very easily made, takes up little space and is really very
convenient, when one is busy sewing and dislikes to get up to take care of
the dangerous bits of steel. Take a little two dram bottle (homeopathic
style), crochet for it a snug covering made of embroidery silk or
silkaline, crocheting it tightly and covering the bottle completely, using
some bright color if desired. When you break a needle just slip the pieces
right through the meshes of silk into the bottle; they will go in easily,
but the holes will close up after them, retaining them in safety till the
receptacle is full.
57. A Sewing Room Hint.--Thread will not become knotted so often if the
newly-cut end is put into the needle instead of the other end, which is
already broken.
60. Using Silk on the Machine.--When sewing on the machine with silk, it
often unwinds and twists around the spool spindle in a very trying manner.
To avoid this make a hole in a small piece of felt and slip it on the
spindle before the silk is put on.
63. How to Attach Holders to Kitchen Apron.--Pin two holders with long
tape at each side of the apron when cooking. They are convenient for
handling hot kettles or dishes.
65. Pie Crust, How to Bake.--Bake empty pie crusts on the outside of the
tin, instead of the inside, and they won't shrink.
66. Let the Poison Bottle Tinkle.--A wise house mother with half a dozen
little folk needing all sorts of medicines and medical applications, has
purchased in a toy shop a handful of little bells, and when a bottle
containing poison is added to the medicine closet it is adorned with a
bell tied around its neck with a narrow ribbon. No danger with the bottle
thus equipped of taking by mistake, in the dark, the dangerous medicine.
The moment the poison bottle is touched the little bell tinkles its
warning.
67. A New Night Lamp.--Mothers who have timid little ones will appreciate
the new night lamp, the apparatus of which may be carried to the country
in a trunk or handbag. This apparatus consists of a small wooden float
through which passes a tiny wick. An ordinary china teacup is half filled
with cottonseed oil, the little floating wick placed in this, and a match
touched to the upright wick. While the sides of the cup prevent thc direct
light of the flame being visible to the person in bed, a pleasant dim
light is cast over the room.
68. Time Saved in Sewing.--In a family of small children there are a great
many buttonholes to be made. A quick way to make them in the everyday
underwear, is on the sewing machine. Sew back and forth, leaving a small
space in the center, three or four times where the buttonhole is wanted,
and cut in the space left, being careful not to cut the stitching. In
making little dresses, or slips after the skirts are sewed up, attach the
gatherer to the machine and gather the top and bottom of sleeves and
skirt. In this way work is quickly done.
69. Stews and Hash, How to Make.--Stews and hash made of fresh meat or
round steak instead of scraps, are delicious. When the steak is to be used
without being ground, select only tender, young, pinkish pieces; otherwise
it will be tough in spite of prolonged cooking.
70. Dusters.--Another good idea about dusters. Do not use anything that
comes handy, but get squares of five-cent cheese cloth or silkoline, fold
a neat hem, and whip it nicely around, then turn and go back the other
way. These materials are the best one can use, as they do not leave lint
behind. Always wash the dusters after the sweeping day. No one can do
clean work with soiled tools; besides dusters ruin the hands.
71. Broom Bags.--Good material for a broom bag or cover is old gauze
underwear. The goods takes up dust very readily, and is easily rinsed out;
or a piece can be thrown away without waste.
75. To Freshen Bread.--To freshen bread pour cold water all over the loaf,
drain quickly, and place in the oven. When the outside is dry and hot
remove the loaf and it can scarcely be detected from a new one.
77. To Prevent Cake Tins Sticking.--Flour the baking tins after greasing
them. If the flour is shaken all over the grease, and the tins rapped, you
will have no difficulty with sticky cakes which break when you try to get
them out. Lard is just as good as butter, for it will not taste through
the flour.
79. Save the Gas.--Cut strips of asbestos paper an inch and a half wide
and long enough to go around the burners of the gas range. Pin together to
form a ring, slip over the burner, and all the heat will be concentrated
where wanted. In this way the gas can be half turned off and the same
results obtained.
82. To Prevent Tablecloths from Blowing Off.--We had some pieces of brass
chain, and found them splendid to run through the hems of the tablecovers
when in use on the porch in summer. Such "loaded" covers do not blow off
easily, consequently they save quite a bit of annoyance and laundering.
85. Stains from Fly Paper, to Remove.--Almost anything that has come in
contact with sticky fly paper can be thoroughly cleansed by sponging with
kerosene. The odor will soon evaporate if the article is exposed to the
air for a short time.
88. To Prevent Starch from Boiling Over.--Add a small piece of butter the
size of a walnut when the starch comes to a good boil. This not only gives
a nice, smooth finish and makes the ironing easier, but it prevents the
starch from boiling over.
89. To Hold Sheets in Place.--I worked out a little scheme which has saved
me a lot of trouble and inconvenience, so I thought I would pass it on.
The sheets and bed clothes are constantly pulling out at the foot, so one
day I sewed three buttons on to my mattress with strong thread, and worked
buttonholes in the hems of the sheets to correspond, and since then have
not had trouble with their pulling up in the middle of the night.
90. Hints for Bathing the Baby.--It is a great advantage when bathing the
baby to have all the towels heated before using, as they absorb the
moisture much more readily and are very pleasant and soothing to the
delicate skin. This is also excellent for bathing an invalid as it greatly
hastens the work and lessens the danger of catching cold. It acts like a
charm for the child who dreads a bath, this is usually a nervous child who
does not like the feeling of the towel, on the wet surface of its skin;
complains of feeling damp; and refuses to don its clothing when a less
sensitive child would be perfectly comfortable.
95. Kitchen Account Book.--I have found a kitchen account book is a very
useful record. I have a small vestpocket note book hanging by a string and
pencil near my kitchen range. A page or two is devoted to each month's
use. The month and year are entered at the top of page. When groceries are
purchased, the date, article and price are noted, and summed up at the end
of each month. It makes a handy, permanent record, showing how long
supplies last, the expense of one month compared with another, and the
monthly average of each year.
97. Fruit Stains, to Remove from Hands.--When your hands become stained
from paring fruit or vegetables, dip them in soap suds then rub thoroughly
with coarse salt, and they will become smooth and white.
98. Eyelet Embroidery, Suggestions for.--For some time after I began doing
"eyelet work" I wondered if there was not some way to fasten the thread
after completing an eyelet. A friend of mine showed me a solution of my
problem. It was to leave the last three loops loose enough so that I could
pass the thread back through them after completing the eyelet. Then I
carefully pulled each of these loops down and cut off the thread. This
obviates the necessity of any knots that are so unsightly, and at the same
time, the thread is firmly secured. 99. To Prevent Stockings from Wearing
Out.--Paste pieces of velvet soft side up, into the heels of your shoes,
bottom and back, and you will find your stockings darning reduced by a big
per cent.
100. Needle Sharpener.--I know a woman who always keeps a small piece of
whetstone in her machine drawer for sharpening needles when they become
blunted. It is a great scheme, and saves a lot of needles, as I have
proved to my own satisfaction.
101. Burned Kettles.--If you have had the misfortune to burn your kettle
it may be made smooth and clean by filling it with ashes and water,
leaving it for an hour or so, then washing with clear water.
105. How to Freshen Nuts.--We had a lot of nuts that became too dry to be
good, and were about to throw them away, when a friend told us of a very
easy and practical way to freshen them. It was this: to let them stand
over night in a solution of equal parts of milk and water, then dry them
slowly in a moderate oven. They tasted so fresh and proved to be such an
economy, that we thought the idea well worth passing along.
106. Measure the Eggs.--Try measuring the whites of eggs for angel food
instead of counting them, for best results.
107. Kerosene Lamps.--A neighbor who has to use kerosene for lighting
purposes told me the secret of her bright lights. After cleansing the
lamps well and trimming the wick she fills the oil chamber, and drops into
it a piece of camphor gum about as large as a marble. It is a very simple
method of securing a splendid light.
108. Baking Help.--When creaming butter and sugar for cake or cookies, add
two tablespoonfuls of boiling water, then deduct this amount from the
other liquid used. Beat hard with a spoon, and the mixture will become a
light creamy mass in one-third of the time it otherwise would take.
110. The Last Step.--A great many times last winter I had to go into the
cellar to tend to the furnace when it was too light to light a lamp, and
too dark to enable one to see easily. Almost every time I had to feel
around to be sure that I was on the bottom step. One day my husband was
doing some painting in the cellar and happened to think that a little
white paint on that step would help. Now we wonder why we did not think of
it before.
111. Truth spoken with malicious intent is greater error than keeping of
silence where wrong is meant.
114. To Mix Corn Bread.--To mix corn bread more easily warm the bowl that
it is to be mixed in.
115. Mending Table Linen.--To mend table cloths and napkins, take the
sewing machine, loosen the tension, lengthen the stitch, place embroidery
rings over the place to be mended, and stitch back and forth closely. You
have a neat darn, easily done. When laundered you can scarcely see it. Do
the same with stockings.
116. Children's Toy.--Save all the empty spools, and when any dyeing is
done in the household, drop the spools into the fluid for a few minutes,
and they will make fine playthings for the children on a rainy day.
117. To Keep Coffee From Boiling Over.--To keep coffee from boiling over
add a lump of butter about the size of a small marble.
118. Sour Milk Pancakes.--We are very fond of sour milk pancakes, and have
often had to go without any in the winter when the weather was cold, just
because the milk would not sour. I have learned to put a teaspoonful of
vinegar in a pan of milk, that I wanted to use for the cakes the next
morning, and find that it never fails me in making the milk sour. Placing
the pan over the register for the night helps matters along.
119. When the Wooden Scrub Bucket Leaks.--When the wooden scrub bucket
leaks pour sealing wax into the crevice and paint on the outside. This
will make it last for a longer period.
120. Rust Spots on Clothes.--Many rust spots on clothes are caused by bits
of soap adhering to the latter when they come in contact with the bluing
water. The discovery has been of great help to me because I can now easily
avoid having these unsightly marks. I merely cut the soap into small
pieces, and tie them in a salt bag I keep for the purpose. With this
treatment the soap dissolves just as quickly but does not come into direct
contact with the clothes.
122. Left-Over Peaches.--If there are not peaches enough left from an
opened can to go around, mix them with orange pulp and a little sliced
banana and the family will find them improved.
125. Uses for Child's Broom.--A child's broom should find place in the
bath room. It can be kept in the clothes hamper, and will be useful in
sweeping under the bath-tub.
126. Dish Cloths.--Dish cloths are often neglected. They should be kept
scrupulously clean, and in order that they may be so they should be washed
out carefully with soap, and well rinsed each time they have been used.
After this has been done they may be hung in the air to dry. Some people,
however, like to have a stone jar containing a solution of soda by the
sink and to keep the dish cloths in it when not in use.
127. Watch for the wishes of the customers and not the hands of the clock,
and some day you will have your boss's job.
128. We judge our neighbor as queer and eccentric, but with the same
measure comes back his judgment of us.
129. Uses for Men's Worn Out Collars.--Men's collars when worn out, can be
opened and bound together as a memorandum book which can be laundered each
Monday.
130. Broiling Meat.--A little salt thrown on the coal flame will clear it
for broiling meat.
133. Boiling Rice.--One cook always puts a very little lemon juice in the
water in which she boils the rice. She claims that it keeps the rice white
and the grams whole and separate. It may be worth trying.
134. To Remove Grease from Silk.--Grease may be removed from silk and
woolen clothes by the use of magnesia. Scrape a quantity upon the spot,
cover with a brown paper and place a hot flat-iron over it. The heat of
the iron acts upon the magnesia and when the iron and the paper are
removed and the magnesia brushed off the spot will have disappeared.
136. Moths.--When moths get into dresser drawers, sweep them clean, expose
the wood to the sunlight and with an atomizer spray turpentine where the
pests are liable to be. A lighted match or sulphur candle will kill them.
137. To Remove Putty.--To remove putty, rub a red hot poker over it, and
cut off the putty with a steel knife.
138. New Method for Sprinkling Clothes.--Turn the nozzle of the hose to a
fine spray and sprinkle the clothes while they are on the line; a very
quick and good method. All plain pieces may then be rolled up and laid in
the basket as they are taken down, while starched articles need but a
little further hand sprinkling on portions not exposed.
140. Preparing Oranges for the Table.--In preparing oranges for the table
take a sharp knife, cut the skin straight around, insert the handle of a
spoon turned over flat to fit the orange and loosen shell by forcing spoon
to within one-half inch of the end, around one side, then the other, after
which cut the orange through the center, making two parts. Then turn the
skin back in cup form, making a pretty decoration for the table and
serving as handles. Always serve in halves.
141. To Make a Muddy Skirt Wash Easily.--To make a muddy skirt wash easily
and look white, take sour milk and dilute with water; soak the skirt in it
over night, then wash in the usual way; the skirt washes easier and looks
white.
142. To Make Stained Water Bottles Clean.--To make stained water bottles
clean and bright, put in salt and pour on vinegar, let stand a few minutes
then shake. Rinse in clear water.
143. Sanitary Window Screen.--Try tacking cheese cloth on the pantry
window screen frame. This admits air that is sifted free from smoke and
soot, before it comes into the pantry.
144. Cheerfulness at Meals.--Cheer during the meals will do away with the
need of digestive tablets. Make it a rule to come to the table smiling,
and continue to smile, though the food does not suit you and everyone else
is down on their luck. Your smile will prove contagious.
145. Uses for Stale Bread.--Take stale biscuits and grind them with a food
chopper; toast in oven to a delicate brown. Serve with plenty of sugar and
cream. Makes fine breakfast food and saves the stale bread.
146. Washing Lemons.--Always wash lemons before grating them, not only to
remove any foreign matter sticking to them, but in order to remove the
tiny insect eggs so often seen on them in the disguise of black specks.
They may be kept fresh indefinitely, if wiped perfectly dry and placed in
a sealed top glass jar.
148. If Mice are Gnawing Holes.--If mice are gnawing holes in the house,
rub common laundry soap around the gnawed places, and you may depend on it
they will cease labor in that district.
149. To Teach Darning.--If young girls are taught to darn on canvas, the
method of weaving the stitches is easily explained and put into practise.
150. Bed Sheeting.--Sheeting should never be cut, but should be torn into
lengths, usually two and a half yards for medium beds.
152. To Keep Bread from Souring.--You will find that light bread will not
sour so quickly in summer if it is not covered when taken from the oven.
This steam is unnatural and should be allowed to escape or it soaks into
the bread, making it clammy and more liable to sour. Let the bread cool
gradually then put a clean cloth in a large stone jar, place the bread in
and cover with the cloth, before covering with the stone, or wooden lid.
This keeps bread fresh and moist from one bake day to another.
153. Never Pour Scalding Water into Milk Vessels.--Never pour scalding
water into milk vessels; it cooks the milk on the sides and bottom of the
vessels making it more difficult to clean such articles. Rinse them first
with cold water. This same rule applies to cleansing of catsup bottles.
154. The Water Pipes in the Kitchen.--The water pipes in the kitchen will
not be so unattractive, if painted the color of the kitchen woodwork.
155. To Brush Fringe of a Doilie.--Do not use a comb for the fringe of
doilies as it pulls out the fringe, but brush it with a nail brush.
156. Wash Suits.--Large buttons should be removed from wash suits before
they are sent to the laundry.
158. To Make a Ruffle Easily.--To make a ruffle easily, just above depth
of the ruffle make a quarter inch tuck. Insert edge of ruffle under tuck,
flatten down tuck over the ruffle edge and stitch on edge of tuck. If the
ruffle is desired on very bottom of garment, make a quarter of an inch of
tuck, leaving about half of an inch of goods underneath. Baste and stitch
wrong side of ruffle to wrong side of half-inch piece, about quarter of an
inch from edge. Turn back, making edge come under tuck. Flatten tuck and
stitch on the edge. This will save all the trouble of bias bands, so
dreaded by the dress-maker.
159. Greasing Cake Tins.--In making a cake, grease the tin with sweet lard
rather than butter and sift a little dry flour over it.
161. After Cake is Removed from Oven.--A cake which has been removed from
the oven should be placed on a wire stand on the stove and the steam
allowed to thoroughly escape from it so as to obviate any chances of it
becoming heavy.
162. When the Top Cannot be Removed from Fruit Cans.--When the top cannot
be removed from a fruit can, if the lid is carefully pried at one point,
so the gum can be caught, the rubber can easily be removed. It is not
difficult to pull the band from beneath the metal cap.
165. Stitching Down a Seam.--After stitching down a seam, press with a hot
iron, and if no seamboard is at hand, it is useful to know that a rolling
pin, wrapped in a clean cloth, will answer this purpose equally as well.
166. The Color Meat Should be.--Meat should be red with the fat a clear
white. The fat besides being white should be firm, and suety, and never
moist. Good meat has very little smell. Bad meat shrinks considerably in
boiling. Meat which is fresh and good does not loose an ounce of weight,
but swells rather, when it is being boiled.
167. Buying a New Oil Cloth.--When you are ready to buy a new oil cloth
for your kitchen table, take your old one and cut it up for aprons. Have
it cover the whole front of your skirt, and make a large bib on it, and
you will find, when you are through doing a washing, that you will be as
dry as you were before you began.
170. Closed Cupboards in the Pantry.--If there are closed cupboards in the
pantry use them for storing provisions kept in screw top jars. There
should be brass hooks for hanging up all the articles that can be
suspended from the walls.
173. To Give Starch a Gloss.--A little sugar added to boiled starch will
give a desirable gloss to the clothes when ironed.
174. Apples Cored for Baking.--Apples cored for baking are delicious
filled with orange marmalade and a little butter and sugar.
176. If you judge as evil the actions of another, through the judging
comes evil to you.
177. A Toy Saw.--A toy saw may be utilized many times in the kitchen for
sawing meat bones which are too large.
178. If a White Dress Has Turned Yellow.--If last summer's white dress has
turned yellow, put it in a stone jar, cover with buttermilk and let it
stand a day and night. Then wash well and starch with blued starch. This
is better to whiten goods than freezing, sunshine, or the use of borax.
[MISCELLANEOUS RECIPES 875]
179. Scorched Food.--A practical cook says: When food has been scorched
remove the pan from the fire and set into a pan of cold water. Lay a dish
towel over the pan. The towel will absorb all the scorch taste sent up by
the steam and the family need never know it was burned.
180. Mutton Chops to Make Tender.--Mutton chops can be made tender quite
as much as lamb, if before they are boiled or fried they are allowed to
simmer in just a little water on the back of the stove. This also makes
the flavor more delicate.
185. To Improve Baked Potatoes.--To improve baked potatoes let them stand
in a pan of cold water for about an hour, then put them in the oven while
wet. This seems to steam them and cook them much quicker.
187. Put a handful of coarse oatmeal in the water bottle and half fill
with water. Let stand half an hour, then shake well and rinse. The bottle
will look like new.
190. To Mark Scallops.--To mark scallops place your thimble or spool just
outside the circle line and mark around it with a pencil. In this way, any
sized scallop can be made.
194. Have You Been Hoarding an Old Foulard Dress--One of that kind of
dresses which you liked and hated to part with, but it went out of style.
Get it out, clean it, rip it, and if there is not enough in it to make a
scant shirt-waisted one-piece empire dress, make it into a pretty
shirt-waist, with knife plaiting down the front.
195. To Wash Tarnished Brass.--Save the water in which the potatoes have
been boiled, and use it to wash tarnished brass. It will come out as
bright as new.
196. Sewing Lace.--When sewing two raw edges of fine lace together, like
the tiny lace ruffles on lingerie blouses or dresses, do not fell it in
the old-fashioned way, but place the two right sides together and bind the
edge with the finest thread, making a buttonhole stitch along the edges.
Put a stitch in each mesh, and you will have a neat lace seam which, when
pressed, can scarcely be observed, and it will not fray.
198. Mud Stains, to Remove.--Mud stains will disappear from cloth by the
following method of cleansing: After brushing the dry mud away sponge the
remaining stain with a weak solution of ammonia and water. This is
absolutely safe to apply to black cloth. Colored goods, however, should be
sponged with a solution of bicarbonate of soda as the latter does not
affect coloring matter.
[MISCELLANEOUS RECIPES 877]
199. Drop Table for Kitchen.--A woman can have a kitchen made in a very
cramped quarter if she provides it with a small work table, and a drop
leaf table attached to the wall. If the stationary table is covered on all
sides with a curtain and furnished with an undershelf, it will hold as
much as a cupboard. Two large shelves will be found very convenient, even
though it will be necessary to mount a chair or stool to reach the kitchen
articles. Usually extremely small kitchens are more convenient than large
ones, in which many steps must be taken.
200. A Convenience for Ironing Day.--The laundress who knows how to take
care of herself has a high stool with rungs for her feet, on which she may
sit when she is ironing the light pieces. It will help reserve her
strength for the next day's work.
201. Quickest Way to Core Apples.--One of the simplest and quickest ways
to core apples for baking is to use an ordinary clothes pin.
202. To Remove Iron Rust.--Tartaric acid will remove almost any iron rust
blemish from material and is excellent for removing yellow marks.
203. The Kitchen Apron.--The kitchen apron should cover the skirt and the
front of the waist, though not necessarily the sleeves, as most house
dresses are made with short sleeves.
207. To Mend Rubber.--To mend rubber, use soft kid from an old glove and
paste to the patch the gum of automobile paste. The leather adheres better
to the gum than a gum patch.
209. To Prevent Tinware Rusting.--To prevent tinware from rusting rub over
with fresh lard and put in a hot oven for a few minutes before using it.
If treated in this way it will never rust.
211. To Keep Cheese From Drying.--Wring a cloth from vinegar and wrap
several thicknesses around the cheese to keep it from moulding and drying.
212. Small Hand Churn.--A small hand churn makes home-made butter and
cheese possible. It is no trouble whatever to make a pot of yellow butter,
fresh and sweet, by the aid of one of these convenient little churns.
After it is made it may be rolled into a delicate little pat and kept in
an earthen jar made purposely for butter.
215. Clear black coffee diluted with water containing a little ammonia,
will clean and restore black clothes.
216. To Make Linen Easier to Write on.--To make linen easier to write on
when marking, dip the pieces you wish to mark into cold starch, rub over
with hot iron and you will be able to write without the pen scratching.
217. To Air Pillows.--To air pillows, rip the corner of the ticking an
inch or more. Insert a piece of rubber hose pipe a few inches long, first
covering the exposed end of the tube with strong netting. Sew the ticking
firmly to it and then hang all day on the line, in the air punching and
shaking many times during the day. They will be light and fluffy besides
being thoroughly aired and sweet and clean.
218. Uses for Pea-Pods.--Never throw away pea-pods; they give a delicious
flavor to the puree for the next day.
220. Dyeing at Home.--In dyeing at home amateurs often make the mistake of
putting the dyed article through the wringer, possibly to avoid staining
the hands for one reason, or perhaps hoping to dry the garment more
quickly. This however, should never be done, for the creases so formed are
most obstinate and in fact, often only disappear with wear, despite all
pressing. Dyed articles should be squeezed and hung out of doors to dry.
223. To Keep Candles in Warm Weather.--Keep your candles in the ice box
this warm weather. They will remain beautifully upright through a whole
evening's use, if they are hardened first in this way.
224. Tea Towels.--Keep the tea towels in sight, then have them fresh,
clean, and whole, and hang them on a long metal curtain pole, in a
convenient place, say back of the sink. This is better than placing the
towels on a nail against the wall as is usually done, and it permits them
to dry out quickly.
227. Light Colored Wall Paper.--Light colored wall paper may be cleaned by
a careful rubbing with a very clean rubber of the kind which artists use.
If the spot cleaned seems lighter than the surrounding color it may be
toned down by a gentle rubbing with a clean chamois skin.
228. To Keep Canary Seed Away from Mice.--If there are any mice in the
house, the best way to keep the canary from being robbed of its food is to
empty the contents of a cardboard box of bird seed into a quart preserve
jar and cover with a screw top.
232. Removing Dirt from Carpet.--Of all the ways to remove dirt from a
carpet, the worst is by the use of the ordinary short brush which involves
the housemaid's kneeling down in the dust.
235. Delicious Salad.--Seeded raisins cut in pieces, broken nut meats, and
a small part of celery in thin bits make up a delicious salad.
236. To Clean Light Rugs.--Rugs with white or very light ground may be
cleaned by sprinkling with cornstarch, mixed with one-sixth its bulk of
prepared chalk. Let the starch remain several hours and brush it out with
a fine whiskbroom, then hang in the sun and heat well before putting down.
This method is recommended for fine, silky rugs, as it injures neither
tint nor texture and makes a beautifully clean surface.
237. To Light a Closet of Any Kind.--To light a closet of any kind, but
especially a linen closet, the safest thing--next to electricity is a
light clear glass lantern with wire guards outside the glass. Swing it by
a light chain pulley, some little way in front of the shelves. Thus a
touch sends it up or down, throwing the light wherever it may be needed.
239. If Your Paint Has Been Marred.--If your paint has been marred by
careless scratching of matches, try rubbing it with the finest sand paper.
Use a half lemon for removing match marks from paint.
243. Washing Veils.--When veils are washed at home they usually come out
quite limber and flimsy. To give them the stiffness add a pinch of sugar
to the rinse water.
244. To Take Candle Grease Out of Linen.--To take candle grease out of
linen, place the linen between two sheets of thick white blotting paper,
and set a hot iron on it, leaving it there long enough for the iron to
become perceptibly cooler. If necessary repeat this until the grease is
removed.
245. Cleaning the Sweeping Brush.--Try cleaning the sweeping brush with an
old comb. It is a good plan, for it preserves the brush and keeps it
clean, and at the same time saves your hands.
246. Bright Wood Berries May be Preserved.--Almost any kind of bright wood
berries may be preserved for decorative use in the winter, by dipping in
melted paraffin and putting away in a cool place until needed. Treated in
this way berries will remain firm and bright for a long time, and may be
used in many ways.
247. Old Wood Work to Keep Clean.--Old woodwork, that is so hard to keep
clean, can be made to look like new grained wood, by first painting it
with cream colored paint to give a body alike, and when dry go over it
with a dark oak varnish stain; with a little practice it can be made to
look like grained wood. The varnish dries quickly and leaves it darker in
some places. Any old furniture can be treated in the same way.
248. To Prevent Chairs Marring the Floor.--One should have all rockers
covered with half rounds of rubber to prevent the scratching of the porch
floor. These rocker tires are procurable at any furniture establishment
and are easily adjusted.
250. To Destroy Flies.--Flies will get into the house during the summer in
spite of the greatest care. One method of catching and killing them,
without having disagreeable looking fly paper lying around is to prepare a
mixture of cream, sugar and pepper. Put this on a plate and they will eat
greedily of it and die. They will instantly seek the open air and it is
easy to brush them from the screen doors. This is an old method and a good
one.
251. Successful Fern Growing.--A woman who has had her refrigerator placed
on the porch has a long drain pipe to carry off the melted ice, and this
is made to flow right into a large bed of ferns. The cold water in no way
destroys the plants, in fact, they can endure the coldest water, and last
year her ferns grew to an enormous size all due to the daily supply of
water from the refrigerator.
252. Faded Crepe.--Faded crepe can be dipped into a solution of water and
indigo, the water made very dark with blueing for the purpose. Dissolve in
one quart of water, a teaspoonful of sugar. Lift the crepe out, and shake
it and pin it to the bed to dry. As it can not be ironed pin it carefully
over soft muslin with needles.
254. Putting Screens Away.--If screens were carefully put away last fall
there should be little difficulty in getting them in place on the first
hot fly-breeding day. The wise housekeeper writes on the top of her
screen, where it is hidden from view by the upper sash, the room and
window where it belongs. She also covers the wires with a coating of
vaselin and stores them in a dry place with a cover thrown over them.
Should the wire have become shabby and rusty looking it can be freshened
up with a coat of paint. If the wires have gone into holes and are badly
bulged, replace with copper wire netting. It costs more than the ordinary
kind, but does not wear out nearly so soon.
256. Finger Bowl.--A finger bowel should always have a few flowers or a
leaf floating around on the surface.
259. To Keep a Rug from Curling.--The edge of the heavy rug will not curl
if treated to a coat of shellac on the under side.
260. Grease Stains on Silk.--For grease stains on silk, rub the silk with
French chalk or magnesia, and then hold it to the fire. Thus the grease
will be absorbed by the powder, which may then be brushed off.
263. A Neat Way to Mend Table Linen.--A neat way to mend table linen is to
darn it with linen threads off an older tablecloth. It will look much
neater than a patch sewed on. It is advisable to keep a piece of a
discarded tablecloth in the mending basket for that purpose.
268. Uses of Mop Handles.--Most women have found the mop handle with the
handy clasp, a general utility tool. There is a great deal of unnecessary
bending of the knees to the household gods. It is a painful attitude, and
work that can be done just as well in a standing position, should never be
done in a kneeling one.
269. Iron Holders Made from Asbestos.--Iron holders made from a piece of
asbestos the desired size, and covered with drilling or heavy unbleached
muslin are light and keep out the heat. There should be a ring or loop
sewed to one corner to hang up the holder.
271. Shrinking Dress Goods.--Before making the white linen dress skirt, or
any material that is liable to shrink, fold the goods carefully and place
it in a tub and cover with water. Let it get thoroughly wet, stretch the
clothes line as tightly as possible, hang the goods through the center,
and pin perfectly straight on the line. When dry, let two persons stretch
the goods as curtains are stretched, fold it with the wrong side of the
material out and iron double with the seam running through the center of
the goods on the length of the material. In shrinking colored prints add
turpentine to the water, and it will set the color. A teaspoonful is used
to a gallon of water.
272. Fixing Worn Corsets.--For stitching over worn corset stays, a wide
white tape is unequaled.
273. Cooking Breakfast Food.--Don't leave the tin lid on the saucepan if
you start the cereal in the evening for breakfast. It will rust and the
moisture drip into the food.
274. Tough Meat to Make Tender.--Tough meat can be made tender by adding a
teacupful of lemon juice to the water in which it is boiled.
277. To Boil Eggs Without Cracking Them.--To boil eggs without the risk of
cracking, hold them in a spoonful of boiling water before immersing them.
279. Threading Needles.--Thread will knot less easily, if the end that is
broken from the spool is run through the eye of the needle.
280. Measuring Dress Goods.--Do not measure dress goods and laces with a
tape line, as it stretches the material. Use a yardstick.
281. Do Not Use Coarse Thread.--An expert needlewoman says that the reason
why so much embroidery does not look attractive is that too coarse a
thread is used for the work. It is not a bad rule to use a cotton a number
or two finer than is recommended, unless the advice comes from one who
understands embroidery perfectly.
284. Convenience for the Sewing Room.--A good sized waste basket should be
continually close to every sewing machine. Then it is easy to form the
habit of dropping all scraps into it just as the scissors make them,
instead of leaving them to litter about the floor.
285. Buttons for Future Use.--When buttons are removed from a dress for
future use they should be loosely strung on a thread before being put in
the button box. This is a time-saver as well as keeps the buttons from
getting lost or several of a set from being used.
286. Basting Long Seams.--When basting long seams, if the edge of the
material is slipped under the machine needle and the needle is lowered it
firmly holds the two pieces, and one can more quickly do the work.
289. To Make Soft Soap.--Soft soap made from half a pound of shaved hard
soap and two quarts of water will save the soap bill at cleaning time.
290. Separate Night and Day Pillows.--If separate night and day pillows
are not used, as is now generally done, the bed will look neater if
special pillow slips are kept to put on over the wrinkled pillow cases by
day.
291. To Keep An Iron Sink in Good Condition.--To keep an iron sink in good
condition, scrub once or twice a week with hand soap and kerosene. Every
night put a little chloride of lime in the strainer and pour through it a
kettleful of boiling water.
293. Cooking Peas.--When cooking peas do not shell them. Wash the pods and
put them on to boil. When they are done the pods will break and rise to
the top of the kettle leaving the peas at the bottom. They have a better
flavor cooked this way.
294. Troubled With Ants.--When troubled with ants in your pantry and
kitchen pour kerosene around on the edge of your shelves and on your
doorstep. They will soon disappear.
297. Less Noise in Washing Dishes.--If your cook insists in washing the
dishes in the pantry while the family is still at dessert, insist upon her
placing the dishes to drain upon a heavy turkish towel. It will lessen
much of the clatter.
300. Worn Brooms or Whisks.--Worn brooms or whisks may be dipped into hot
water and uneven edges trimmed off with shears. This will make the straw
harder, and the trimming makes the broom almost as good as new.
302. The Gingham Apron for the Housewife.--The gingham apron for the
housewife at her daily tasks, especially if the maid is out and she has
any kitchen work to do, is imperative, and she will find the long apron
that buttons over the shoulders the most acceptable.
304. To Remove Tangled Threads.--No doubt you often have stopped sewing
and patiently picked the threads out of the bobbin under the machine
plate, or around the wheels, for this often occurs, says the Woman's
National Daily. Save time in the future by lighting a match and burning
out the threads, then brush the ashes off and oil the parts.
305. Clothes Rack for Children.--In one home, in the rear hall, is a low
rack on which children can hang their coats, hats and mittens when they
come in from school. The hanger was made with two stout steel brackets and
a curtain pole fitted up with hooks on which the articles were held. On
one end of the pole was hung a whiskbroom, and each tot was taught its
use.
306. To Remove Dust from Any White Fabric.--To remove dust from any white
fabric lay the spot over a tea-kettle of boiling water. Place a cut lemon
over the spot, pressing firmly. Remove occasionally, in order to allow the
juice to evaporate, and the stain will disappear before one's eyes, no
matter how stubborn or how deep set.
308. To Prevent Marks on the Dining Table.--If you have a highly polished
dining table which you are afraid of spoiling, lay a piece of oilcloth on
the table under the pad and you will have no trouble.
311. To Clean Kid Gloves.--Take a fine soft cloth, dip it into a little
sweet milk, then rub it on a cake of soap, and rub the gloves with it.
They will look like new.
312. Washing Fine Woolens.--To keep baby's sacques and socks and your own
shawls and scarfs as fluffy as when new, dry and put in oven of range,
shaking often between the palms while drying.
313. To Wash Grained Woodwork.--To wash grained woodwork take a half pail
of hot water, add half a pound of soap chips, and boil until dissolved.
Take from fire, add one pint kerosene, then boil for five minutes longer.
Add one quarter of this to a half pailful of warm water. Wash woodwork
thoroughly, wipe and dry, and lastly use a flannel to polish with.
314. Sewing on Buttons.--How often the mother hears the complaint: "I do
wish you wouldn't sew these buttons on so tightly that I can't button
them." When you start to sew on a button, before you take a stitch, lay a
pin across the face of the button, and sew over the pin. Fasten your
thread before you remove the pin, else you will draw the last stitch and
spoil it. You will find there is a good shank to the button and yet it is
perfectly secure.
315. Airing House After Meals.--After each meal, there should be another
thorough airing of the lower floor in the home. No matter how perfectly
the system of ventilation, it is impossible to prevent cooking odors. This
airing is doubly necessary should there be smokers in the family.
316. House Cleaning Hints.--For the last few days before house cleaning,
ornaments and pictures can be washed at one's convenience. They need only
be removed or covered when a room is cleaned. With these preparations, the
actual cleaning can be done quickly and with much less disturbance of the
family routine.
317. Uses for Men's Old Silk Handkerchiefs.--Men's old silk handkerchiefs
should never be thrown away when worn thin. They are just the thing for
dusting the polished surface of the piano, ornaments and fine china and
glass and bric-a-brac.
320. To Take Out Wagon Grease.--To take out wagon grease, which is of two
kinds, that made from coal tar may be removed from cloth by an application
of petroleum; the other, made from animal fat, responds to a sponging of
ether.
324. To Turn the Hems of the Table Linen Easily and Accurately.--To turn
the hems of the table linen easily and accurately, remove the needle from
your sewing machine, adjust the hemmer to the desired width and pass the
goods through. They are then ready for hemming by hand. You will find this
saves a great deal of time, and gives you a straight, even hem.
325. Soft Wood Floors to Paint.--If a soft wood floor is glue sized,
before painting, it will take less paint.
326. Hanging Out Quilts.--When hanging out quilts and pillows, pound and
brush them the first thing, and let the fresh air get into them all day.
Most people do this just before taking them in. Consequently the beds did
not get the proper airings.
329. Cleaning Silverware.--Old tooth brushes and nail brushes, and old
knitted underwear should always be reserved for cleaning silver. Nothing
is better than a tooth brush for brushing the dried whiting out of the
heavily chased silver or repousse work. The chamois skin is best for the
final polishing. If table silver be steeped in hot soap suds immediately
after being used, and dried with a soft clean cloth, a regular cleaning
will not be needed so often.
330. Cleaning Crockery and Enamel.--By immersing, for a day or two in sour
milk, glass, crockery or enamel ware articles may be perfectly cleaned of
stains or limey accumulations from hard water. This is much better than a
scouring, as the surface is not injured in any way, and every part can be
reached.
332. Moths in Carpets.--If moths have attacked the carpet try putting
gasoline on the edges, soaking the nap of the carpet. Also work powdered
borax into the carpet wherever there is a sign of moths or under heavy
pieces of furniture, which cannot easily be moved in the weekly sweeping.
334. Uses of a Wooden Spoon.--Never use any but a wooden or silver spoon
to stir anything with in cooking. Many a dish is spoiled by the cook
stirring it with an iron or metal spoon. Wood is the best when any acid,
such as vinegar, is used in the ingredients to be stirred.
337. Old Suitcases and Purses.--When suitcases and purses begin to show
wear, coat all the spots with tan water color paint, and when perfectly
dry rub over with a little sweet oil. Let stand for an hour, then rub with
woolen cloth. Tan and brown shoes which have become scuffed may be treated
in the same way.
339. Paint Wicker Furniture.--If you must paint wicker furniture see that
you buy paint that is well mixed and thinned to the proper consistency. If
too thick it gets lumpy and the paint is apt to rub off on the clothes.
Porch chairs which are exposed to weather should be finished with a coat
of enamel to make them last longer. The coat of enamel is also more easily
dusted.
341.--Uses for Old Envelopes.--Cut out the corners from all heavy
envelopes, for they are excellent for holding coins sent by mail. They
always make good corner protection.
345. To Clean Gilded Surfaces.--To clean gilded surfaces, dip a soft brush
in alcohol to which a few drops of ammonia water have been added, and with
it go over the surface. Do not rub roughly or harshly. In about five
minutes the dirt will have become soft and easy of removal. Then go over
the surface again gently with the same or similar brush dipped in rain
water. Now lay the damp article in the sunlight to dry. If there is no
sunlight place it near a warm (but not hot) stove, and let dry completely
in order to avoid streaks, taking care that the position of the article,
during the drying is not exactly vertical.
346. Hints for the Housewife.--Every housewife should have plenty of waxed
paper or paraffin paper about the house. It is of the greatest value in
preserving eatables from the air and keeping them properly moist. In the
sandwich basket it is indispensable. Cake wrapped in it will keep moist
and fresh for a much longer time than if put directly into the box. When
the paper has become sticky run cold water on it, and it may be used
again. Cheese wrapped up in it and put in the refrigerator will keep fresh
for a week.
347. Excessive Gas Light Weakens the Eyes.--When the excessive light of
the gas light or the electric bulb tires weak eyes, resort to the tallow
candle. For the sick room wax candles are preferred, as they never produce
smoke or smell. They seem to soothe the nerves of the invalid and in this
way help to produce a restful night.
349. For Closing Windows.--A piece of bamboo, an old blind roller, or any
strong smoothly rounded stick about three feet long, with a small flat
piece of wood about the same thickness, twelve inches long and covered
with flannel, nailed across the ends, makes an admirable and useful
article for closing top windows without either going outside or standing
on a stool or a chair to reach, or straining one's self with the weight to
be raised upward.
MEDICAL DICTIONARY
SIMPLE and PLAIN DEFINITIONS of MEDICAL TERMS
For Reference in your Newspaper and
General Reading and Throughout this Work.
Abdomen (ab-do'men). That portion of the body, lying between the thorax
and the pelvis, or "belly."
Actual Cautery (kaw'tere). Fire, a red hot iron, or the moxa, used as a
cauterizing agent.
Adult (a-dult'). A person grown to full size and strength or to the years
of manhood.
Affusion (af-u'shun). The pouring of water upon a part or upon the body
for reducing fever or correcting nervous symptoms.
Alkali (al'kal-i). A compound which forms salts with acids and soaps with
fats. Potash, soda, lithia, ammonia.
Alveolus (al-ve-olus). Bone socket of a tooth; air sac of the lungs, etc.
Auricle (au'rik-l). The pinna or flap of the ear. The chambers of the
heart on either side above the ventricles.
Bile or Gall (Bil). The golden brown or greenish yellow substance secreted
by the liver.
Callus (kal'lus). The new growth of bony matter between the extremities of
broken bone serving to unite them.
Cell (sel). A small hollow cavity in any one of the minute protoplasmic
masses which form organized tissues.
Cerebellum (ser-e-bel'um). The inferior part of the brain lying below the
cerebrum and above the pons and medulla.
Cerebrum (ser'-e-brum). The main portion of the brain occupying the upper
part of the cranium, and consisting of two equal
portions, called hemispheres.
Chyle (kile). The milky juice taken up by the lacteals from the food in
the intestines after digestion.
Chyme (kim). The thick grayish liquid mass into which the food is
converted by stomach (gastric) digestion.
Clonic (klon'ik). Applied to spasms where the parts are rigid and relaxed
in succession.
Colon (ko'lon). That part of the large intestine which extends from the
caecum to the rectum.
Diaphragm (di'af-ram). The membrane that separates the abdomen from the
chest cavity.
Enamel (en-am'el). The white substance that covers and protects the
dentine of the crown of the teeth.
Excrement (eks-kre-ment). Fecal matter; matter cast out as waste from the
body.
Fauces (faw'sez). The passage from the mouth to the pharynx (throat).
Femur (fe'mur). The thigh-bone. The bone from the hip to the knee.
Fibrin (fib'rin). A whitish proteid from the blood and serous fluids of
the body.
Foetus (fe'tus). Same as fetus, The child in the womb after the end of
third month, called embryo before that time.
Gargle (gar'gle). A solution used for rinsing the mouth and throat.
Gland. An organ that separates any fluid from the blood; or an organ which
secretes something essential to the system or excretes waste
materials the retention of which would be injurious to the body.
Glottis (glot'is). The space between the vocal cords, together with the
larynx, which is concerned in voice production.
Hymen (hi'men). The fold of mucous membrane that partially occludes the
vaginal orifice.
Iliac Region. One of the regions into which the abdomen is divided. Flank
region.
Incisor (in-sis'-or). Any one of the four front teeth of either jaw.
Incubus (in'-ku-bus). A heavy mental burden.
Ingestion (in-gcs'-shun). The act of taking food, etc., into the body.
Joint. An articulation between two bones; more especially one which admits
of more or less motion in one or both bones.
Labia (la'beah). Two folds of skin, etc., of the female genital organs;
lips.
Larynx (lar'inx). The organ of the voice, situated between the base of the
tongue and the trachea.
Larva (lar'-vah). The first stage of the insect development after leaving
the egg and in which the organism resembles a worm.
Macula (mak'-u-lah). A stain or spot; especially one upon the skin not
elevated above the surface.
Mitral valves (mit'ral). The valves that control the opening from the left
auricle to the left ventricle.
Pleura (plu'rah). The serous membrane enveloping the lung and lining the
inner surface of the chest cavity.
Rectum (rek'tum). The lower part of the bowel (of the large intestine).
Recurrent (re'kur'ent). Returning.
Regimen (rej'im-en). The systematic regulation of the diet and habits for
some special purpose.
Rigor (rigor). The rigidity or stiffening which follows after death, due
to congestion of the "muscle plasm."
Scrotum (skro'tum). The pouch which contains the testicles and their
accessory organs.
Serum (se'rum). The clear portion of any animal liquid separated from its
more solid elements; especially the clear liquid which
separates in the clotting of blood from the clot and the
corpuscles.
Slough (sluf). A mass of dead tissue in or cast out from living tissue.
Sordes (sor'dez). The dark brown foul matter which collects on the lips
and teeth in low fevers (typhoid, etc.).
Syringe (sir'inj). All instrument for injecting liquids into any vessel or
cavity.
Tibia (tib'eah). The inner bone of the leg (below the knee).
Ulna (ul'nah). A bone of the forearm on the side opposite that of the
thumb.
Ureter (u-re'-ter). The tube that conveys the urine from the kidney to the
bladder.
Urine (u'rin). The fluid secreted by the kidneys, stored in the bladder
and discharged through the urethra.
Vagina (vaj-i'-nah). A sheath. The canal from the slit of the vulva.
Virus (vi'rus). Any animal poison; especially one produced by and capable
of transmitting a disease.
MEDICAL INDEX
INCLUDING PAGES 1 TO 682
Aneurism 845
Treatment 345
Angina Pectoris 344
Angina, Simple 21
Angiocholitis, Acute Catarrhal 128
Anidrosis 57
Treatment 57
Animal Parasites, Diseases Caused by 44
Anthrax 59, 230
Symptoms 231
Malignant Anthrax (Swelling) 231
Internal Anthrax 231
Charbon or Wool Sorter's Disease 231
Treatment 231
Ano-rectal Abscess 151
Anti-Constipation Pad 465
Antimony, Poison by 401
Anus, Diseases of the 136
Anus, Fistula in 152
Anus, Itching of the 143
Aortic Stenosis 343
Aortic Insufficiency 343
Symptoms 343
Aphasia 291
Varieties 291
Causes 291
Symptoms of the Motor Aphasia 291
Recovery 292
Treatment 292
Appendicitis 116
Symptoms 116
Local Signs 116
Recovery 117
Operations 117
Diet 117
Mothers' Remedies 117
1. Home Treatment found Good for 117
Physicians' Treatment 117
Caution 117
Appendicitis, Diagnosis of 1
Appendicitis, Operations for 663
Appetizer (Herb Remedy) 424
Apple Water 649
Apoplexy 292
Causes 292
Direct Causes 293
Symptoms 293
Subsequent Symptoms 293
What Can I Do at Once? 293
Mothers' Remedies 293
1. Simple yet Effective Remedy for 293
2. Simple Injection for 294
Medical Treatment 294
Caution 294
Arkansas, Hot Springs of 666
Arm, Plate of Bandage 386
Arrowroot Custard 647
Arrowroot Gruel 652
Arsenic, Poison by 402
Arsenical Poisoning, Chronic Case 402
Arteriosclerosis 345
Treatment 345
Arthritis, Rheumatic 314
Articular Rheumatism (Rheumatic Fever) 317
Arthritis, Gonorrheal 236
Ascariasis Lumbricoides 44
Ascites 135
Local Causes 135
General Causes 135
Symptoms 135
Physicians' Treatment 135
Ascites caused by an Ovarian Tumor 135
Asiatic Cholera 223
Asphyxiation, Gas 395
Aphthous Stomatitis 97
Asthma, Bronchial 37
Causes 37
Symptoms 37
Mothers' Remedies 37
1. Raspberry Tincture for Adults 37
2. Simple but Effective Remedy for 37
3. Lobelia Tea for 37
Physicians' Treatment for Asthma 38
1. Inhale Chloroform 38
To Prevent Recurrence 38
2. Vapo-Cresolene burned in a room 38
3. Tartar Emetic 38
Asthma, Bronchial, (Herb Remedies) 420, 426, 439, 442
Asthma, Hay 17
Asthma, Spasmodic 37
Asthma, Spasmodic (Herb Remedies) 427, 438
Ataxia Hereditary 306
Ataxia, Locomotor 305
Atrophic Leprosy 240
Atrophy, Acute yellow 131
Atropine, Poison by 402
Ayer's Cherry Pectoral 466
Ayer's Hair Vigor 466
Ayer's Sarsaparilla 467
Dandruff 83
Definition 83
Varieties 83
1.--Oily Seborrhoea 83
2.--Dry Sehorrhoea 83
3.--Mixed Type of Both 83
Causes 84
Local 84
Mothers' Remedies 84
1. Home Preparation from New York Mother 84
2. A Barber's Shampoo for 84
3. Lemon Juice for 84
4. A Brook, Ontario, Lady Prevents 84
5. Simple and Harmless 84
6. Talcum Powder an Excellent Remedy for 84
Physician's Treatment for Dandruff 84
Local 85
Remedies 85
1. For Dandruff 85
2. For Dandruff 85
3. A Good Combination 85
4. For Dandruff 85
Dangue 208
Symptoms 208
Physicians' Treatment 208
Deadly Night Shade, Poison by 403
Dead, How to Care for the 638
Deafness 307
Treatment 367
Mothers' Remedies 367
1. Quick and Effective Remedy for 367
2. Often Tried Remedy for 307
3. My Mother, in Galt, Found Good for 367
Deformities 369
Delirium Tremens 372
Symptoms 372
Treatment 372
Chronic Alcoholism 373
Mothers' Remedies 373
1. Effective as Cure for 373
Treatment 373
Delirium Tremens (Herb Remedies) 427, 439
Dementia 313
Primary Dementia 313
Secondary Dementia 313
Senile (old age) Dementia may be primary 313
Chronic Dementia 313
Dermatitis 62
Deviation of the Nasal Septum 19
Causes 19
Physicians' Treatment 19
Diabetes, Diagnosis of 2
Diabetes, Insipidus 330
Causes 330
Symptoms 330
Treatment 330
Diabetes, Mellitus 328
Causes 328
Symptoms 328
Recovery 329
Treatment, Preventive 329
Diet 329
The following is a list of articles which
a Diabetes patient may take 329
Must Not Take 330
Medicines, Codeine 330
Diabetic Bread 648
Diagnosis, Mothers' 1
Diarrhea 108
Causes 108
Symptoms 108
Mothers' Remedies 108
1. Wild Sage Tea for 108
2. Egg and Nutmeg for 108
3. Scorched Flour and Sugar for 108
4. Excellent Compound for 108
5. Spice Poultice for 108
6. Blackberry Tea for 108
7. Hot Milk for 109
8. Castor Oil for 109
9. Former Canadian's Remedy for 109
10. A Goderich Lady found this good 109
11. Inexpensive Remedy for 109
12. Fern Root Good to Relieve 109
13. Milk and Pepper a Common Remedy for 109
Physicians' Treatment for 109
1. Rest in Bed 109
2. Dose of Castor Oil for 109
3. For Children an Infusion of pathweed 109
4. For Infants an Infusion of Chamomile 109
5. Another for Infants 110
6. Ginger is Frequently of Good Service 110
7. Infants of Six Months 110
Diet in Diarrhea from the Head Nurse of a Large Hospital 110
May Take 110
Must Not Take 110
Infants 110
Diarrhea (Herb Remedies) 410, 411, 412, 413, 417, 418, 420, 422,
424, 429, 431, 434, 439, 442, 443
Diarrhea (Older Children) 613
Diarrhea, Flux and Dysentery (Rare Prescription) 472
Diet 643
Diet in Older Children, fourth to tenth year 598
Diet in Debility sent us from one of our Leading Hospitals
May Take 646
Soups, Fish, Meats, Eggs, Farinaceous 646
Vegetables, Desserts, Drinks, must not take 646
Diets in Fevers--Furnished us by a Trained Nurse in a Hospital
May Take 645
Foods, Drinks--Must Not Take 645
DIGESTIVE ORGANS, DISEASES OF 97
Diphtheria, Diagnosis of 2
Diphtheria, Diagnosis between Acute Tonsilitis and 188
Causes 184
Symptoms 184
Pharyngeal Diphtheria 184
Laryngeal Diphtheria (formerly called Membraneous Croup) 184
Diagnosis of 185
Recovery 185
Mothers' Remedies 185
1. Cure and Preventive for 185
2. Kerosene for 185
3. Hops and Hot Water Relieves 185
Mothers' Remedies (Unclassified) 676
1. A Marine City Mother Gives the Following Cure for 676
Physicians' Treatment 185
Local Treatment 186
Eclampsia 542
Eclecticism 661
Electrically Shocked 397, 400
Eczema 63
Definition 63
Varieties 63
Symptoms 63
Eczema Vesiculosum (Vesicular Eczema) 63
Eczema Pustulosum (Pustules) Pustular Kind 63
Eczema Papulosum (Papular Variety) 63
Eczema Rubrum (Red) 64
Eczema Squamosis (Scaling) 64
Recovery 64
Causes 64
Mothers' Remedies 64
1. Lemon or Vinegar for 64
2. Olive Oil and Powder for 64
3. Herb Tea for 64
4. Potato and Camphor for 64
5. Sulphur and Lard for 64
6. Burdock Tea a Standard Remedy for 64
7. Blood Purifier for 65
8. Reliable Remedy for 65
Mothers' Remedies (Unclassified) 677
1. Lard and Sulphur for 677
2. Gasoline for 677
Physicians' Treatment 65
In Chronic Sluggish Cases 65
Local Treatment 65
1. Black Wash 65
2. Lead and Laudanum Wash 65
3. A Solution of Boric Acid 65
4. Soothing Application for 65
5. Dusting Powders 66
6. Oxide of Zinc 66
7. McCall Anderson's Ointment 66
The Black Wash Should be Used 66
8. Pastes 66
9. For the Itching 66
External Treatment of Chronic Cases 66
1. Tincture of Green Soap 66
2. Tar 66
3. Salicylic Acid 66
4. Dr. Schalek Uses 66
Glycoge1atin Dressing 67
Special Varieties of Eczema and what to do for them 67
Eczema of Children 67
Physicians' Treatment for Eczema 67
Eczema of the Scalp, Milk Crust 67
Eczema of the Face 67
Eczema of the Scrotum 67
Eczema of the Hands in Adults 67
Diet in Eczema 67
Eczema (Herb Remedies) 416
Edward's Alterative and Tonic Bitters 487
Egg Broth 649
Eggnog, Cold 649
Egg Cordial 649
Eggs, Dainty Way to Serve on Toast 648
Egg Gruel 648
Eggnog, Hot 649
Ely's Cream Balm 474
Emetic 431
Emphysema 43
EMERGENCIES, ACCIDENTS AND POISONS 376
Endocarditis 341
Simple Kind, Cause 341
Symptoms 341
Treatment 341
Diet 341
Caution 341
Endocarditis, Chronic 342
Endometritis 498
Endometritis, Putrid 500
Endometritis, Septic Puerperal 499
Enemata 638
A High 638
A Low 639
Directions 639
Position 639
Amount 639
What Material 639
Syringe 639
Enemata, Astringent 641
Enema, Laxative for Infants and Children 639
Formula No. 1 640
Formula No. 2 640
3. Molasses and Laxative Enema 640
Enemata, Nutritive 640
Formula No. 1 640
Formula No. 2 640
Enemata, Stimulating No.1, Black Coffee 641
Enemata, Salt No. 2 641
Enemata, Turpentine 641
Enlarged Glands 619
Enlarged Nail 77
Treatment 77
Inflammation of the Nail 78
Enteralgia 124
Epilepsy 288
Causes 288
Symptoms 288
Characteristic Paroxysm of Major Attacks 288
Clonic Spasm Stage 289
The Minor Attack or "Petit Mal" 289
Recovery 289
Physicians' Treatment 290
What to do during the Attack 290
Preventives and General Treatment 290
Diet 290
Causes 290
Medicines 290
Caution 290
Epithelial Cancer 335
Eruptions (Herb Remedies) 442
Erysipelas, Diagnosis of 3
Causes 220
Symptoms 220
Mothers' Remedies 221
1. Slippery Elm Bark for 221
2. Bean Poultices for 221
3. Soda Wash for 221
4. Easy Remedy for 221
5. Copperas Liniment for 221
6. Cranberry Poultice for 221
Mothers' Remedies (Unclassified) 677
1. Antiseptic Wash for 677
Physicians' Treatment for Erysipelas 221
1. Local Treatment 221
2. Paint thoroughly with Tincture of Iodine 222
3. The following is a splendid application 222
4. Tincture of Chloride of Iron 222
Diet 222
Nursing 222
Erysipelas (Herb Remedies) 420, 422, 428, 432
Erythema Pernio 96
Excessive Sweating 75
Exophthalmic Goitre 260
Causes 260
Symptoms Acute Cases 260
Chronic Cases 260
Treatment 260
Expectorants (Herb Remedies) 434, 444
External Applications 631
EYE AND EAR, Diseases of 346
Eye, Bandage of 386
Eyelids, Sore (Herb Remedies) 434
Eyes, Sore (Baby's) 549
Face Creams 94
Mothers' Preparations 94
1. Cream of Pond Lilies 94
Haematuria 156
Ginger 423
Ginseng 423
Golden Seal 425
Goose Foot 446
Goose Grass 417
Gravel Plant 425
Gravel Root 436
Gravel Weed 425
Ground Holly 435
Ground Laurel 425
Ground Lily 412
Ground Raspberry 425
Gum Plant 419
Hard Hack 441
Hamamelis 410
Healing Herb 419
Hedeoma Pulegoides 433
Helonias Dioica 422
Hoarhound 426
Hoodwort 439
Hops 426
Horse Balm 441
Horse Chestnut 426
Horse Tail 438
Humulus Lupulus 426
Hydrastis Canadensis 425
Hypericum Perfoliatum 443
Ictodes Foetida 439
Indian Apple 429
Indian Arrow Wood 445
Indian Balm 412
Indian Sage 414
Indian Tobacco 428
Indian Turnip 444
Inula Helenium 423
Iris Versicolor 414
Jack-in-the-Pulpit 444
Jimson Weed 442
Joe-Pye Weed 436
Juniper 427
Juniper Communis 427
Knob Root 441
Lady's Slipper 427
Lamb's Quarter 412
Laurus Sassafras 438
Leontodon Taraxacum 421
Leonurus Cardiaca 430
Leptandra Virginica 421
Life Root 428
Liver Lily 414
Lobelia 428
Lobelia Inflata 428
Madweed 439
Maiden Hair 428
Mandrake 429
Mare's Tail 423
Marigold 430
Marrubium Vulgare 426
Marshmallow 429
May Apple 429
May Flower 425
Meadow Cabbage 439
Mentha Piperita 433
Mentha Viridis 440
Milfoil 446
Mitchella Pepens 432
Milkweed 430
Milk Wort 438
Mortification Root 429
Motherwort 430
Mountain Box 411
Mountain Flag 438
Mountain Pink 425
Mustard 431
Myrica Cerifera 411
Nepeta Cataria 416
Nerve Root 427
Noah's Ark 427
Oak Bark (Red and White) 431
One Berry 432
Onion 431
Orange Root 425
Orange Swallow Wort 434
Panax Quinquifolium 424
Papoose Root 418
Parsley 432
Partridge Berry 432
Peach Tree 432
Pennyroyal 433
Peppermint 433
Petroselinum Sativum 432
Pettymorrel 440
Phytolacca Decandra 434
Pigeon Berry 434
Pigeon Weed 440
Plantain 434
Plantago Major 434
Pleurisy Root 434
Podophyllum Peltatum 429
Poke 434
Polecat Weed 439
Polyagla Senega 438
Polygonum Punctatum 440
Prickly Ash 435
Pridewood 423
Princes Pine 435
Prunus Virginianus 445
Puke Weed 428
Pumpkin 436
Purple Boneset 436
Queen's Delight 436
Queen of the Meadow 436
Queen's Root 436
Quercus Alba 431
Raccoon Berry 429
Rag Wort 428
Rattle Root 418
Red Berry 411
Red Clover 437
Red Elm 439
Red Puccoon 413
Red Raspberry 413
Red Root 413
Rheumatism Weed 435
Rhus Glabra 442
Rich Weed 418
Rock Parsley 432
Rock Rose 437
Roman Chamomile 417
Rumex Acetosa 439
Rumex Crispus 447
St. John's Wort 443
Sage 437
Salt Rheum Weed 411
Salvia Officinalis 437
Sambucus Canadensis 422
Sanguinaria Canadenisis 413
Sassafras 438
Scoke 434
Scouring Rush 438
Scutellaria Latcriflora 439
Senecio Gracilis 428
Seneca Snake Root 438
Shave Grass 438
Sheep Sorrel 439
Silkweed 430
Sinapis Alba 431
Skunk Cabbage 439
Skull Cap 439
Slippery Elm 439
Smartweed 440
Snakehead 411
Snake Lily 414
Snake Root Virginia 441
Snapping Hazelnut 410
Solomon's Seal 441
Spearmint 440
Spignet 440
Spikenard 440
3. Asafoetida 287
4. Sumbul or Musk Root 287
5. The Following is Good 287
6. Tincture of Hops 288
7. General Cautions 288
Hysteria (Herb Remedies) 420, 426, 430, 439, 443
Lotions 633
Louse, Body 78
Louse, Diseases of the Skin Produced by 78
Treatment 78
Louse, Head 78
Lumbago 323
Mothers' Remedy 678
1. Ointment for 678
Lump Jaw 234
Lungs, Abscess of the 43
Lungs, Acute Inflammation of 40
Lungs, Acute Inflammation of (Herb Remedies) 419, 427
Lungs, Bleeding from 38
Lungs, Bleeding from (Herb Remedies) 412, 446
Lungs, Tuberculosis of the, Diagnosis of 5
Lung Fever 218
Lurschkas Tonsil 8
Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound 469
Lye, Poison by 404
Naevus 77
Nail, Enlarged 77
Nail, Inflammation of the 78
Nail Wound, Rusty 393
Mothers' Remedies 394
1. Iodoform and Vaselin Salve 394
2. Turpentine Good 394
Tincture of Myrrh for Fresh 394
Nasal Catarrh, Acute 10
Nasal Growths 8
Nasal Polypus 19
Nausea (Herb Remedies) 424, 433, 440
Neonatorum Ophthalmia 4
Nephritis, Acute 156
Nephritis, Chronic (Diffuse Desquamative) 158
Symptoms 266
Physicians' Treatment 266
Local Treatment 266
Neuralgia of the Rectum 137
Neuralgia of the Stomach 107
Causes 107
Symptoms 107
Physicians' Treatment 107
Neuralgia of the Trigeminus 265
Neuralgia Trifacial 265
Neurasthenia 230
Neuritis 276
Causes 277
Neuritis, Simple 277
Neuritis, Multiple 278
Neuroma 276
New York Sun Cholera Cure 480
Night Sweats 44
Mothers' Remedies 44
1. Salt Bath for 44
2. Cold Sage for 44
Physicians' Treatment 44
1. Atropine for 44
2. Tonics to Keep up the Appetite 44
Nitric Acid, Poison by 405
Normal Salt Solution 626
Nose, Anatomy of the 6
Nose-Bleed 19
Mothers' Remedies 19
1. Remedy sent us by a Public School Teacher 19
2. Alum as a Cure for 19
3. Remedy that Succeeded in a Severe Case 19
4. Simple Remedy for 20
5. Another Home Remedy for 20
6. Puff-Ball for 20
7. Vinegar and Water for 20
Physicians' Treatment for Nose-Bleed 20
Nose-Bleed (Herb Remedies) 420
Nose, Broken 383
Nose, Chronic Inflammation of the 14
Nose, Things in the 396
Nose, Tumor of the 10
Physicians' Treatment 19
Nursing 565
NURSING DEPARTMENT, Including Care of Sick and Sick Room) 123
Albumin Water 649
Alcohol Sponge Bath 631
Almond Milk 649
Appendicitis, for 633
Apple Water 649
Arrowroot Custard 647
Arrowroot Gruel 652
Baked Custard 647
Barley Gruel 652
Barley Water 647
Baths 629
Bed Pan, How to Use 641
Bed Sores, Prevention and Care of 628
Treatment, Preventive 628
Treatment of Sore Proper 628
Blistered Skin, to Dress 635
Boric Acid 626
Bran Bath 630
Brandy and Egg Mixture 649
Brown Bread 653
Capsicum and Belladonna Plasters 635
Carbolic Acid 625
Care and Disinfection of an Infected Room 626
Care of Discharges (Excreta) 624
Sputum Cups 624
Bed Pans and Urinals 624
Soiled Dressing and Linen 624
Caudle 649
Cereals and Cereal Gruels 651
Chestnut Puree 652
Chicken Broth 648
Chloride of Lime 625
Cinnamon Tea 647
Common Tables of Measures, Apothecaries' Weight 636
Convalescent Diet 644
Cold 632
Cold Compresses 632
Contents of Medicine Chest 637
Cold Pack, The 631
Cornmeal Gruel 652
Corrosive Sublimate or Dichloride of Mercury 625
Counter-Irritants 633
Coughs of Long Standing, Syrup for 650
Cracker Gruel 652
Cream of Celery Soup 653
Cream of Potato Soup 653
Cream Soup 647
Cream Toast 646
Cream of Tomato Soup 653
Crust Coffee 647
Cupping, Wet and Dry 635
Currant Juice 649
Daily Care of the Room by the Nurse 620
Dead, How to Care for the 638
Diabetic Bread 648
Diet 643
Diet in Debility sent us from
one of our Leading Hospitals
May Take 646
Soups, Fish, Meats, Eggs, Farinaceous Vegetables,
Desserts, Drinks 646
Must Not Take 646
Diets in Fevers, Furnished us by a Trained Nurse in Hospital
May Take 645
Food, Drinks--Must not Take 645
Dishes for the Sick Room 646
Disinfection 624
Disinfectants 625
Disinfecting the Room 626
Dose for Children, How to Determine 636
Dose in Drops for Different Ages 636
Rule Usually Followed 636
Douches 641
Dry Cupping 635
Dry Salt Bath sent us with Mothers' Remedies 630
Ear (Aural) Douche 641
Egg Broth 649
Eggnog, Hot 649
Eggnog, Cold 649
Egg Cordial 649
Eggs, Dainty Way to Serve on Toast 648
Egg Gruel 648
Enemata 638
A High 638
A Low 639
Position 639
Amount 639
What Material 639
Syringe 639
Laxative Enema, Sometimes is Necessary 639
Laxative Enema for Infants and Children 639
Formula No. 1 640
Formula No. 2 640
3. Molasses and Laxative Enema 640
Enemata, Astringent 611
Enemata, Nutritive 640
Formula No. 1 640
Formula No. 2 640
Enemata, Salt 641
Enemata, Stimulating 641
Black Coffee 641
Enemata, Turpentine 641
Sciatica 266
Schools at Medicines 660
Sclerosis of the Liver 131
Scrofula 212
Mothers' Remedies (Unclassified) 681
1. A Good Remedy for 681
Scrofula (Herb Remedies) 415, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 444, 445, 447
Scrofula (Rare Prescription} 482
Scurvy 615
Scurvy (Herb Remedies) 434, 444, 447
Sebaceous Cyst 85
Seborrhea 83
Secretion, Lessened Sweat 57
Senile Cataract 354
Symptoms of Senile (Old Age) Cataract 354
Course 354
Septicemia 222, 223
Seven Sutherland Sisters' Hair Grower 485
Shingles 74
Definition 74
Symptoms 74
Causes 74
Mothers' Remedies 74
1. Herb Remedy for 74
2. Mercury Ointment for 74
Physicians' Treatment 75
Shocked, Electrically 397
Shoulder Joint Dislocation 380
Sick Headache (Herb Remedies) 413, 414
Simple Acne 53
Simple Angina 21
Skin, Diseases of the 52
Macule Spots (Patches) 53
Papule (Pimple) 53
Tubercle (Node Lump) 53
Tumors 53
Wheel 53
Vesicle 53
Bleb 53
Pustule 53
Scale 53
Crust 53
Excoriation 53
Fissures 53
Ulcer (Sores) 53
Scar 53
Pigmentation 53
Skin, Diseases of the (Herb Remedies) 415, 430, 435, 436, 438, 447
Skin Diseases Produced by Lice 78
Skin, Inflammation of the 62
Skin, Inflammation of the (Herb Remedies) 412
Skinner's Dandruff Cure 485
Sleep 603
Sleeplessness 299
Sleeplessness (Herb Remedies} 426, 430, 439
Smallpox, Diagnosis of 4
Smallpox 201
Causes 201
Symptoms 201
Eruptions 201
Confluent Form 201
Varioloid 201
Treatment 202
Diet 202
Nursing 202
General Rule for Disinfection 203
Hands, Body, etc 203
Vaccination and Re-vaccination and its Prevention of Smallpox 203
A Good Time to be Vaccinated 203
Why Vaccinate? 203
Smallpox entirely prevented by re-vaccination 204
Who Should Be Vaccinated 204
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated 205
When Should a Person be Vaccinated? 205
Vaccination after Exposure to Smallpox 205
With what should one be vaccinated? 206
Where Vaccination Should Be Performed? 206
After Vaccination 206
Common Appearances after Vaccination 206
What to do during and after Vaccination? 207
Make a Record of your Vaccination? 207
Lives Saved from Smallpox in Michigan 207
Smith's Electric Oil 470
Smooth Tonsilitis, Diagnosis of 5
Snake Bites 377
Symptoms of a Snake Bite 378
Treatment 378
First thing to do 378
Mothers' Remedies (Unclassified) 680
1. Simple Poultice for 680
2. Onions and Salt for 681
Snake Bite (Herb Remedies) 434
Soda (Medical Use) 669
Salt Water Bath, Tonic Action 630
Softening of the Brain 298
Soft Diet 644
Soothing Syrup, Overdose of 622
Sore Eyes (Rare Prescription) 470, 549
Mothers' Remedies (Unclassified) 681
1. Camphor and Breast Milk for 681
Sore Mouth, Canker 97
Sore Mouth, Canker (Herb Remedies) 410, 420, 442, 444
Sore Throat 21
Symptoms 21
Chronic 21
Prevention of the Chronic Kind 21
Prevention of the Acute Kind 21
Mothers' Remedies 21
1. Used for Years Successfully 21
2. Splendid Liniment for 22
3. Simple Gargle for 22
4. Home Made Salve for 22
5. Cold Packs Sure Cure for 22
6. Ointment for 22
7. Remedy from a Mother in Johnson City, Tenn 22
8. Gargle and Application for 23
9. Vinegar Gargle for 23
10. Alum and Vinegar for 23
11. Kerosene for 23
12. Remedy always at hand 23
13. Simple Remedy for 23
Physicians' Treatment for Sore Throat 23
1. Inhalation of Steam 23
2. Sulphur and Cream for 23
3. Good Old Mothers' Remedies 23
1. Physicians' Local Treatment 24
2. When the Attack is Mild 24
3. I like the following at the beginning 24
4. For Chronic Catarrh 24
5. Other Gargles 24
6. Snuff 24
Mothers' Remedies (Unclassified) 681
1. Mustard Plaster for 681
Sore Throat (Herb Remedies) 418, 420, 431, 434, 442
Sore Throat (Rare Prescription) 475
Sores or Ulcers 72
Sores or Ulcers (Herb Remedies) 410, 412, 413, 416, 431, 434, 447
Southern Cholera Cure 483
Spasms 542, 616
Spasms (Herb Remedies) 420, 432
Spasmodic Asthma 37
Spasm of the Glottis 26
Special Diseases 265
Spice Plaster 635
Spice Poultice 634
Spice Poultice from a Stanlyton, Va., Mother 634
Table 636
Taenia Saginata 48
Taenia Solium 48
Talipes 370
Tape Worm 48
Tape Worm (Rare Prescription) 483
Tapioca Jelly 652
Tartar Emetic, Poison by 407
Taste 307
Taste Buds 307
Taste Buds, Plate of 308
Teeth 563
Teething 560, 618
Tegumentary (Skin) Leprosy 238
Temperature (Fever) Under the Tongue, Arm-pit 642
Temperature of the Room 624
Tetanus 231
Tetter, Dry 63
Tetter, Humid 63
Things in the Ear 395
Things in the Nose 396
Thomas's Electric Oil 486
Thread Worm 46
Throat, Sore 21
Throat, Sore (Herb Remedies) 418, 420, 425, 431, 434, 437, 442, 444
Thrush 551
Thumb, Dislocation 380
Thyroid Gland, Diseases of 258
Symptoms 258
Treatment 258
Thyroiditis 258
Tic Doloureux 265
Tickling in Throat 25
Tinea Trichophytina 86
Tobacco, Poison by 407
Toe-Nail, Ingrowing 395
Tongue, The 642
Ulcers 643
High Fever 643
Dark Brown or Blackish Coating 643
Strawberry Tongue 643
Cankered Tongue 643
Cholera Infantum 643
Constipation 643
Biliousness 643
Tonic (Herb Remedies) 424, 425, 428, 432, 444, 445
Tonic, General (Rare Prescription) 475
Tonsilitis, Diagnosis of 5
Tonsilitis, Acute 187
Follicular, Inflammation of 187
Causes 187
Symptoms 187
Diagnosis Between Acute Tonsilitis and Diphtheria 188
Mothers' Remedies 188
1. Raw Onion for 188
2. Peppermint Oil good for 188
3. Borax Water for 188
4. Salt and Pepper with relieve 188
5. Peroxide of Hydrogen will cure 188
6. A Remedy Effective for 188
Physicians' Treatment for Tonsilitis 189
1. Home Treatment 189
2. Smartweed 189
3. Salt Pork for 189
4. Liniment 189
5. Internally 189
6. Hot Water 189
7. Thyme 189
8. Steaming with Compound Tincture of Benzoin 189
9. For the Pain 189
10. Medicines, Parke, Davis & Co.,
Anti-Tonsilitis Tablet No. 645 is very good 190
11. Aspirin 190
12. Dr. Hare of Philadelphia 190
Tonsilitis, Suppurative 190
Tonsils, Operation for 665
Tonsil, Pharyngeal 8
Toothache 119
Mothers' Remedies 119
1. Dry Salt and Alum for 119
2. Oil of Cloves quick relief for 119
3. Home Made Poultice for 119
4. Clove Oil and Chloroform 119
5. Sure Cure for 119
6. Salt and Alum Water for 119
7. Oil of Cinnamon for 119
8. Reliable Remedy for 119
9. From Decoyed Teeth 120
Mothers' Remedies (Unclassified) 682
1. Benzoin for 82
2. Oil of Cinnamon for 682
Physicians' Treatment 121
Toothache (Herb Remedies) 418
Toothache (Rare Prescription) 483
Tooth Powders 120
Mothers' Tooth Powders 120
1. The Ashes of Burnt Grape Vine 120
2. Tooth Powder 120
3. Tooth Powder 120
4. Tooth Powder 120
5. Tooth Wash 120
6. Commonly Used 120
Torticollis 323
Tracheotomy and Intubation, Operation for 664
Traumatism of the Cord 303
Symptoms 303
Recovery 304
Treatment, Immediate 304
Tremens, Delirium 372
Trichiniasis 50
Modes of Infection 51
Symptoms 51
Physicians' Treatment 52
Tricuspid Stenosis (narrowing) 344
Recovery 344
Treatment: (a) While Compensated 344
(b) The Stage of Broken Compensation 344
Tricuspid (Valve) Insufficiency 344
Cause 344
Trifacial Neuralgia 265
Tub Bath (common) 631
Tuberculosis of the Lungs, Diagnosis of 5
Tuberculosis 211
Forms-The Lungs 211
Ordinary Consumption 211
1. Acute Miliary Tuberculosis 211
(a) Acute General Miliary Tuberculosis 211
(b) Pulmonary (Lung) Type 211
(c) Tubercular Meningitis 211
2. Tuberculosis of the lymph nodes (glands) 212
3. Tuberculous Pleurisy 212
4. Tuberculous Pericarditis 212
5. Tuberculous Peritonitis 212
6. Tuberculosis of the Larynx 212
7. Acute Pneumonia (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)
or Galloping Consumption 212
8. Chronic Ulcerative Pulmonary Tuberculosis 212
9. Chronic Miliary Tuberculosis 212
10. Tuberculosis of the Alimentary Canal 212
11. Tuberculosis of the Brain 212
12. Tuberculosis of the Liver, Kidneys, Bladder, etc 212
13. Tuberculosis of Joints 212
Mesenteric Kind 212
Mothers' Remedies 212
1. Simple Home Method to Break Up 212
2. Physicians' Treatment 212
Physicians' Treatment for Consumption 213
Sanitary 213
Prevention of Tuberculosis 213
Second 213
Individual Prevention 213
General Measures 214
At Home 214
Diet-Treatment 214
Diet in Tuberculosis Furnished by a Hospital 214
May Take 214
Must Not Take 214
What every person should know about Tuberculosis,
whether he has had the disease or not 214
Tuberculosis (Herb Remedies) 437
Tuberculosis Patients, How to Treat the Sputum from 627
Tuberculosis, Cervical 212
Ulcers 72
Causes 72
Treatment 72
Chronic Ulcer 72
Mothers' Remedies 72
1. The Potato Lotion for 72
2. Chickweed Ointment for 72
3. Healing Ointment for 72
4. Excellent Salve for 72
5. An Old German Remedy for 72
6. An Antiseptic Wash for 72
7. Chickweed and Wood Sage Poultice for 73
8. Blood Root and Sweet Nitre for 73
9. A Good Combination for 73
10. A Four Ingredient Remedy for 73
11. Carrots will heal 73
12. A Remedy that Cures 73
13. Bread and Indian Meal for 13
Physicians' Treatment for Ulcers 73
Balsam of Peru is good for 74
A Salve 74
Poultice 74
Indolent Sluggish Ulcer 74
Poultice for 74
Ulcers (Herb Remedies) 410, 412, 413, 416, 431, 434, 447
Ulcer of the Cornea, Diagnosis of 5
Ulcer of the Cornea 351
Ulcer of the Stomach, Diagnosis of 5
Ulcer of the Stomach and Duodenum 106
Symptoms 106
Physicians' Treatment 106
1. Rest 106
2. Feed by the Rectum 106
Uraemia, Acute 156
Uraemia, Acute (Herb Remedies) 435
Uraemia, Chronic 156
Uraemia, Toxaemia 166
Urethritis 235
Urethritis (Herb Remedies) 415
Urinary Passage 164
Mothers' Remedies 164
1. Dandelion Root win clean 164
Urinary Passage (Herb Remedies) 411, 415, 432, 436, 443
Urine, Blood in the 156
Urine, Scalding (Herb Remedies) 440
Urticaria 89
Uterus, Cancer of the 334
Vaccination 208
Symptoms 208
Vagina, The 491
Vaginal Douche, for Cleansing the 641
Vagina, Inflammation of 496
Vaginismus 497
Vaginitis 496
Van Buskirk's Fragrant Sozodont 485
Vanilla Snow 648
Varicella 179
Varicose Veins 345
Predisposing Causes 346
Exciting Causes 346
Physicians' Treatment 346
Palliative 346
Varicose Veins (Herb Remedies) 410
Variola 201
Varix 345
Vaselin (Medical Use) 670
Venereal Diseases 494
Ventilation 623
Verucca 80
Vestibule, The 491
Vinegar (Medical Use) 673
Vomiting 115
Mothers' Remedies 115
1. Spice Poultice to Stop 115
2. Mustard Plaster to Stop 115
3. Parched Corn, Drink to Stop 115
4. Peppermint Application for 115
5. Mustard and Water for 115
6. Warm Water for 115
Physicians' Treatment 115
1. For Vomiting 115
2. For Nervous Vomiting 115
3. A Little Brandy 116
4. Oil of Cloves 116
5. Lime Water 116
6. Vinegar Fumes 116
7. Seidlitz Powder 116
8. Mustard Plaster 116
9. One-tenth drop of Ipecac 116
10. One-half drop of Fowler's Solution 116
Vomiting (Herb Remedies) 423, 433, 440
Vulva, Cysts of 406
Vulva, Inflammation of 491
Vulva, Itching of 495
Vulvitis 494
Invitations 692
Invitations, Formulas for 692
Replies 693
Must Not Ask Invitations 694
Other Particulars 694
Informal Invitations 694
Afternoon Tea 695
The Verbal Invitation 695
Luncheons 703
Formal Luncheons 703
Minor Particulars 703
Large Luncheons 704
MISCELLANEOUS INDEX
PAGES 790 TO 908
Including Chapters on "Beauty and the Toilet,"
"Nursery Hints and Fireside Gems,"
"Domestic Science," "Canning and Pickling,"
"Candy" "General Miscellaneous" and "Glossary"
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